Liverpool, the Premier League leaders on Christmas Eve, welcomed Newcastle United at Anfield on Boxing Day hoping to secure three more points to stretch their unbeaten streak. The Magpies, under Rafael Benitez, grabbed some efficacious results last month but had a monumental task this afternoon against the in-form Merseysiders. The Spaniard, however, was tipped to put up a surprise show versus his former club but failed to cause an upset and eventually suffered a dreadful 4-0 defeat on the road.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their dominating 4-0 win against Newcastle United.
Alisson Becker: 7.5
The Brazilian had little trouble in securing his 12th clean sheet in 19 league games since completing a high-profile summer switch from AS Roma. The visitors could not offer enough attacking threat barring one late occasion when debutant Sean Longstaff had a great chance but got denied by the flamboyant custodian.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7.5
The youngster returned to the starting XI after missing out two previous outings through a minor injury. Exhibited his outrageous passing traits and often troubled the Newcastle backline whipping in crosses and corners. Assisted Xherdan Shaqiri with a low cross from the right to make it 3-0.
Dejan Lovren: 8.5
The Croatian’s thunderous strike earned the Reds an early lead. Was not troubled much at the back and helped build the game up from the deep time and again.
Virgil van Dijk: 8
Was reliable as always. Never let the likes of Joselu and Yoshinori Muto cause menace in and around the box. Dealt with the crosses well using his great aerial and physical presence.
Andrew Robertson: 7
Kept on making his trademark overlapping runs and combined well with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane from the left. Played his part in Lovren’s opener and received massive applauds in the closing minutes while being replaced by Nathaniel Clyne.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7
Showed his strength in midfield and looked comfortable against his ex-employers. Never let the likes of Isaac Hayden and Mo Diame settle and control the flow from a central role. Was replaced by Fabinho just after the hour mark.
Jordan Henderson: 8
The skipper led his side from the front with a dominant display in the middle of the park. Carried the ball forward, delivered some purposeful long balls and also kept it rolling in the centre of the pitch forcing the opponents to chase down and create space despite their deep defending.
Xherdan Shaqiri: 7.5
His spectacular strike from a free-kick was denied by Martin Dúbravka late in the first half. But the Swiss sensation marked his name in the scoresheet yet again as he made no mistake in converting Alexander-Arnold’s cross and grabbed his sixth Liverpool goal since being roped in from Stoke City back in the summer.
Roberto Firmino: 7.5
Started a little deeper once again. Played many one-twos, linked up beautifully in the attacking third and also won back possession time and again showcasing his great work ethic. Came close to scoring but failed to hit the net before being replaced by Daniel Sturridge midway through the second half.
Sadio Mane: 7
Created many chances and also had his opportunities to score. But his finishing let him down once more after the Napoli fixture as he should have scored at least a brace this afternoon.
Mohamed Salah: 8
The Egyptian won a spot-kick and converted it with great composure to make it 2-0 minutes after the break. His perfect delivery from a corner allowed substitute Fabinho to net his first Liverpool goal and make it 4-0 in the closing minutes of the game.
Substitutes
Fabinho: 7
Scored his first Liverpool goal from Salah’s corner and did not find it hard to control the midfield game against a depleted Newcastle side.
Daniel Sturridge: 6.5
Made an appearance after quite a few games. Showed great control with the ball and also had his chances to score but missed out narrowly.
Nathaniel Clyne: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
