Liverpool ended a brilliant week with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park today.
The Reds made it a Premier League double over their hosts, handing them only their second defeat of the league season.
It was a strange game, with two early goals from Liverpool ended up being enough. But it was far from straightforward, with Alisson Becker forced into a number of saves.
Here’s how we rated the Reds players during this evening’s much-needed win.
Defence
Alisson Becker: 9 – A near perfect performance from Alisson, who kept Liverpool in it more than once. There’s so many reasons he’s been called ‘amazing.’
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7 – Trent claimed only his second assist of the season with a brilliant lofted ball onto Darwin Nunez’s chest. Did well at times up against the tricky Allan Saint-Maximin.
Joe Gomez: 7 – Kept his place in the side despite Virgil van Dijk’s return and did enough to suggest he’ll stay there.
Virgil van Dijk: 7 – One crucial headed interception and an otherwise solid return for the Dutchman.
Andy Robertson: 7 – A real threat going forward, although should have scored late on when he opted to square to Mohamed Salah.
Midfield
Fabinho: 7 – Another much-improved performance from Fab, despite an early booking. Looks sharper and closer to his best.
Stefan Bajcetic: 6 – Neat and tidy as always with one lovely dummy in the first half sending his man for the Echo. Tired as the game went on and replaced in the second-half.
Jordan Henderson: 6 – Didn’t do anything wrong, but didn’t cover Trent as well as he might have done against Saint-Maximin.
Attack
Darwin Nunez: 8 – A constant menace to the Newcastle back-line and smashed in a brilliant opener.
Cody Gakpo: 7 – Two goals in two games for Gakpo, this time a nice take on the chest and finish. Could have done better with a free header to double his tally.
Mohamed Salah: 8 – Created Gakpo’s goal with an ingenious dinked through ball. Better decisions at times would have given him a deserved goal on the night.
Subs
Harvey Elliott: 6 – Came on and kept things ticking over in the middle of the pitch.
James Milner: 7 – Put in some excellent tackles to stem the Newcastle flow – exactly what he was there to do
Diogo Jota: 5 – Looked lively but missed three brilliant chances. Has to do better in-front of goal
Roberto Firmino: 5 – A sloppy touch in midfield almost cost Liverpool a goal. Didn’t look up to the pace of the game
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