Defensive frailty and lack of conversion have been the main talking points of Liverpool’s season so far who, despite dominating the game, only settled for a draw this midweek against Spartak Moscow in their crucial Champions League group stage encounter. The Reds, however, were back to winning ways in Premier League last weekend against Leicester City as they managed to secure an edgy 3-2 win at King Power Stadium.
Their Sunday trip to Tyneside was an eventful one against newly promoted Newcastle United managed by Rafael Benitez – the most successful Liverpool boss in recent history. The Magpies suffered a defeat last Sunday against fellow promoted outfit Brighton & Hove Albion after three consecutive wins in the league. They have been successful against Liverpool at St. James Park in recent years, thus were hoping to clinch a result this evening. The game, however, proved to be another instance of Liverpool’s season so far as it ended in another frustrating 1-1 draw for the visitors.
Below are the Liverpool players rated from their disappointing draw against the Magpies.
Simon Mignolet: 6.5
Could have done little to stop Joselu’s equalizer. Had to make a few routine stops otherwise.
Joe Gomez: 6
Had an indisciplined outing as his failure to control Christian Atsu could have caused further tragedy in their game. His final deliveries need to be worked on and played too many square and back passes which did not help much.
Joel Matip: 6.5
Matip and Lovren, both of the Reds central defenders were at fault in Newcastle’s goal. Joselu was not marked properly and Matip’s sliding clearance was off Joselu and past the goalkeeper. He did a decent job except for that one occasion and did not let Newcastle create any attacking threats inside the box.
Dejan Lovren: 7
Lovren and Matip were disjointed while Joselu scored the equalizer. But the Croatian was solid otherwise, made a number of crucial clearances and did well to throw his body in closing seconds to deflect Mohamed Diame’s strike from close range.
Alberto Moreno: 6.5
Moreno had a lively first half but lacked accuracy in his passes and crosses since half-time. But did a decent job defensively as he never let Matt Ritchie open up Liverpool’s left-hand flank.
Jordan Henderson: 7
The skipper tried to switch the game in the flanks and impressed with his long balls to stretch the game in order to use the width of the pitch. He, however, needs to provide more forward passes for the attackers and create more chances from the middle of the park.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 6.5
Was unlucky as his strike hit the post from Coutinho’s corner which denied him the opportunity to score against his former employers. The Dutchman left enough space in midfield on a few occasions and Jonjo Shelvey capitalized on one such moment to provide a sublime forward ball for Joselu which eventually brought the Magpies their equalizer.
Philippe Coutinho: 8.5
The Brazilian impressed once again as his sensational long-range effort earned Liverpool a lead in the first-half. Played in a deeper role and combined well alongside fellow attackers who disappointed with lack of conversion.
Mohamed Salah: 7
Salah, once again, created enough opportunities using his blistering pace but lacked finishing. Should have scored in the second-half as he skied one of the simplest of opportunities of the game. Was taken off and replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain late in the game.
Sadio Mane: 6
Mane was quiet throughout the game and even changing flanks did not work out in his favour. Was replaced by Dominic Solanke in the second half.
Daniel Sturridge: 5
Sturridge is now a shadow of his past who has lost his skills, pace and agility. Wasted a number of opportunities and failed to capitalize Clark’s howler as he hit the ball to the Newcastle custodian Elliot in a one-on-one situation. Was taken off and replaced by Roberto Firmino in the second half.
Substitutes
Roberto Firmino: 6
Firmino played around last 20 minutes of the game and despite a few promising link ups, he failed to snatch a win for his side.
Dominic Solanke: 6.5
Looked lively and tried hard to find a winner. The youngster is full of promises but yet to flourish under Klopp.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 5
Chamberlain was a late substitute in place of Mohamed Salah and could have been Liverpool’s hero this evening shaking off all criticism but he pulled off his diving header over the bar.
