Liverpool 4 – 1 Newcastle Premier League Player RatingsThe Premier League saw the Reds host a team eager and excited to try and overpower the reigning champions, as Eddie Howe brought his Geordies t...
Liverpool 4 – 1 Newcastle Premier League Player Ratings
The Premier League saw the Reds host a team eager and excited to try and overpower the reigning champions, as Eddie Howe brought his Geordies to Anfield with eyes on all three points.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alisson Becker – 8.0
The giant Brazilian stopper was hounded by physicality early on as the visitors targeted the veteran. He was well beaten for the opening goal as the low shot arrowed away from him.
After the restart, the Reds’ world-class keeper was brave and strong to ensure an early half recovery from the away side didn’t end in a goal.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0
The Hungarian skipper was tasked as the right back with a licence to invert. His demand for the ball and driving presence was superb as he started to dominate the right flank.
When the match resumed, the former RB Leipzig man was calm and composed as he made the most of the time he got on the ball.
Milos Kerkez – 7.0
The Hungarian international gave Gordon too much room for the opening goal. The assist for the Reds’ second goal was superb and perfectly executed.
After the break, the explosive full-back was far more concentrated and drove up and down the line with real intent.
Ibrahima Konate – 10.0
The French international was keen to show his physicality against a quick attack.
In the second half the former RB Leipzig man was again strong and combative as he ensured he got his head and body to any loose ball. Magnificent display, especially given the recent circumstances in his personal life. The last-ditch goal was a tremendous moment.
Man of the match
Virgil van Dijk – 8.0
The captain and leader of this team was keen for his men to show more purpose as he strove to get his men back into the game.
After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was alert to all dangers and marshalled his men with excellence.
Ryan Gravenberch – 8.0
The Netherlands international was able to show good composure to progress the ball beyond a combative opposition.
In the second half the former Ajax product was superb in moments to get space from tight spaces and drive forward.
Hugo Ekitike – 9.0
The French striker was able to test the keeper with a solid left-footed shot early on. The equaliser was a product of hard work and a desire to get to the ball. The second goal showed brilliant pace and confidence to beat the keeper.
After the half-time break, the former PSG prodigy was less prolific as he worked hard to ensure there was always an outlet. Should have grabbed a hat-trick after tearing through again.
Subbed – 83 mins
Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0
The Argentine international was unable to get control of the park amid the frenetic pace of this game.
After the break, the former Brighton star was more involved and able to take control of the middle ground.
Florian Wirtz – 9.0
The German attacker was able to grow into the game and showed great feet and awareness for the assist and equaliser.
In the second half, the world-class technician was the continual conductor and got his goal with a wonderful first-time finish into the bottom corner.
Subbed – 83 mins
Mohamed Salah – 7.0
The record-breaking attacker was unable to get a shot away as he broke away early on. A solid shot was saved well at the near post.
After the break, the former Chelsea forward was a little peripheral and struggled with the ferocity of the game until the third goal. Produced a lovely assist for Florian Wirtz, before nearly scoring at the near post.
Subbed – 83 mins
Cody Gakpo – 7.0
The Dutch attacker showed great skill early on, evading multiple Newcastle players. Some good interplay was needed to get his team up the pitch.
After the intermission, the former PSV attacker was keen to cut inside and test Nick Pope and his goal.
Substitutions:
Curtis Jones 6.0 (on 83)
Came on to add more control
Federico Chiesa – 6.0 (on 83)
Came on to add a different attacking option.
Wataru Endo – 6.0 (on 86)
Came on to add more solidity in midfield.
The Manager:
Arne Slot – 9.0
Was keen to get the best team available onto the pitch and try to overcome a team intent on further damaging Arne Slot’s reputation.
The substitutions were very well timed and each made sense to the game state.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:
Liverpool 2 – 2 Newcastle
Category: General Sports
