In what turned out to be one of the games of the Premier League season so far, Liverpool and Newcastle United played out a 3-3 draw at St James’ Park.
Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar got their names on the scoresheet for the home side, while Curtis Jones and a brace from the irrepressible Mohamed Salah meant Liverpool had to settle for a point on their travels.
Here’s how we rated the Liverpool players from the game.
Defence
Caoimhin Kelleher: 4 – Couldn’t have done much to prevent Isak’s goal as it was a fantastic strike from the edge of the area but made a brilliant save to deny Anthony Gordon after Joe Gomez gave the ball away cheaply in the first half.
However, he was at fault for Fabian Schar’s equaliser as he let the ball drop to the Swiss international who tapped into an empty net.
Jarell Quansah: 4 -Never looked comfortable at right back it wasn’t his fault as only played there due to Liverpool’s mini-injury crisis at the back. Was booked in the first half and moved into central defence after Joe Gomez was substituted.
Virgil van Dijk: 5 – Didn’t particularly do anything wrong but wasn’t at his imperious best as Liverpool looked as shaky as they’ve ever been at the back this season.
Joe Gomez: 3 – Was virtually unbeatable against Manchester City but was incredibly shaky against the Magpies, particularly in the second half. Gave the ball away cheaply and was bailed out by Kelleher as he denied Gordon from close range.
Also got done in the second half as Gordon had the last laugh with a brilliant turn and finish. Substituted for Trent Alexander-Arnold after what turned out to be a bad day in the office.
Andy Robertson: 4 – Didn’t get into the game as much and Liverpool didn’t really attack too much from his side.
Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch: 4 – Endured his worst performance of the season in the first half as he gave the ball away easily and very much came up second best against a spirited Newcastle midfield. Finally lost his ever-pres
Curtis Jones: 6 – Anonymous first half but restored parity with an instinctive finish as he marked his 150th appearance for Liverpool with a goal.
Alexis Mac Allister: 5 – Hit the post and had another fantastic attempt on goal before the interval but wasn’t able to run the show as the Newcastle midfielders didn’t give him a second to breathe.
Attack
Cody Gakpo: 5 – Came into the game in good touch but simply didn’t get going as he was withdrawn for Luis Diaz in the second half.
Darwin Nunez: 4 – A lot of running without any purchase and missed an open goal to give Liverpool the lead after the interval. Wasn’t his night, to put it bluntly.
Mohamed Salah: 9 (Man of the Match) – Lewis Hall undoubtedly got the better of him in the first half but the Egyptian king showed his class with a brilliant assist and two close-range goals to bring his side back in the game. What will Liverpool do without Mo Salah?
Substitutes
Dominik Szoboszlai: 5 – Tried his best after coming on but didn’t make too much of an impact.
Luis Diaz: 6 – Was a willing runner and made a few darting runs into the box after coming on as a second-half substitute.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7 -Came on Gomez with 65 minutes played and immediately showed his class as he set up Salah twice to effectively win the game for his the Reds. Class.
Neil Mellor described Alexander-Arnold as a magnificent player earlier this season and he showed he’s well worthy of the tag with his cameo.
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