Arne Slot can start planning the party - Liverpool are kings of the Premier League again

Book the bus parade, buy the bunting and start planning the party.

Liverpool look to be going on a procession to become kings of the Premier League again. It is going to be one long lap of honour. The Reds moved 13 points clear of Arsenal last night - the engraver may as well get going on the trophy.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister got the goals. Newcastle were easily dispatched despite this being a fixture which has so often brought drama.

Liverpool moved one step closer to claiming title No 20 and equalling Manchester United’s record for the most championship crowns. The coronation is certainly underway. By the time second-placed Arsenal arrive here in early May, they may be giving their rivals a guard of honour.

The Gunners have a game in hand but, at worst, Liverpool’s lead is 10 points. On this evidence, they don’t look like dropping enough to falter in their final 10 games and Mikel Arteta’s men don’t seem to be able to mount any challenge after a draw and defeat in their last two.

Newcastle’s hope of causing an upset here and upsetting Liverpool’s title charge went out the window when star striker Alexander Isak was ruled out with a groin injury.

Eddie Howe taking no chances when he knows he’s got a Carabao Cup final against the Reds to come next month. But it meant this was going to be a difficult task to stop a Liverpool side which has lost just one game so far in the Premier League.

Reds boss Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshof were not on the touchline after receiving a two-match ban for their conduct following the recent Merseyside Derby. They wouldn’t be needed there to orchestrate this rather routine win.

Captain Virgil van Dijk asked for the fans to make Anfield ‘horrible’ but what was horrible was Newcastle’s defending for the opener in the 11th minute. Luis Diaz was allowed to coast in from the left and find an unmarked Szoboszlai. The Reds midfielder then put it through two defenders’ legs and past Nick Pope, who could have done better, for their 100th goal of the season in all competitions.

It looked like Liverpool would blow the Magpies away from there but, despite dominating, they didn’t really put them to the sword until later on. Callum Wilson had a chance to level it but he wasted it when in on goal. It was the only time Newcastle threatened in a timid opening 45 from them.

It was around the 51st minute here when Arsenal’s goalless draw with Nottingham Forest spread around the stands. “Liverpool, Liverpool, top of the league” was the chant. They’re staying there for the rest of the season.

It was soon followed by “We’re going to win the league, you’re hardly going to believe us”.

Mac Allister got the second in the 65th minute. Mo Salah - of course - the creator. The Argentina midfielder provided the finish past Pope from inside the area after great work from Salah.

The songbook was well and truly open by then in the crowd. Liverpool are going to win the league. You better believe them.

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