Jurgen Klopp was forced to rotate his squad for Sunday’s early kick-off fixture against Newcastle United. Liverpool played Villarreal on Wednesday night and the game this afternoon at St James’ Park was indeed a tricky one. The in-form Magpies went for it with all guns blazing, but the Reds, despite being wasteful, defended the first-half lead to claim the top of the table spot for the time being.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their 1-0 win against Newcastle United.
Alisson Becker: 7
Had to make some routine saves en route to clinching another clean sheet. Was excellent as always with the ball on his feet. Played it out from the back with sheer expertise.
Joe Gomez: 8
Was handed a rare start ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Although he prefers to operate as a centre-half, the composure in the defensive third, as well as occasional overlapping runs down the right, depicted the Englishman’s desire to grab his opportunity across the backline.
Joel Matip: 7.5
Solid in the heart of the backline with timely recoveries and tackles. Did well in handling the likes of Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin and Chris Wood in close spaces. His trademark dribbles caught attention once again.
Virgil van Dijk: 8
Another headstrong display from the decorated Dutchman who anchored the highline, maintained the aerial supremacy and played the long balls forward from the deep areas to script swift counter-attacks down the wide.
Andrew Robertson: 8
Did extremely well to contain Miguel Almiron all throughout and Jacob Murphy in the closing moments of the match. Was relentless with his marauding runs, crosses and cut insides.
Jordan Henderson: 7.5
Pulled the strings from the centre of the pitch with his mobility, game-reading and vision. Found his teammates in the attacking third and stretched the game wide to refrain the Magpies from maintaining high press. Made way for Fabinho midway through the second half.
James Milner: 8
Was handed a surprise start in the middle of the park. The ex-Newcastle veteran was exquisite with his work rate and agility. His fine challenge on Fabian Schar instigated Keita’s goal that sealed the deal for the Merseysiders. Made way for Thiago Alcantara late in the contest.
Naby Keita: 8.5
Arguably his finest performance in Liverpool colours. Played a smart one-two with Jota and rounded Martin Dubravka before firing past two players on the line. Won the majority of midfield duels and exhibited great close control and holding traits under pressure from the hosts.
Luis Diaz: 7.5
A pleasure to watch, the Colombian featured from both the flanks showing his flexibility high up the pitch. Created an array of chances on his own, also kept on causing menace with his sprints, cut insides and swift footwork.
Sadio Mane: 6
Struggled to win duels, lacked the pace at times and missed a couple of golden opportunities to find the target. Failed to leave an impact before making way for Mohamed Salah in the second half.
Diogo Jota: 7.5
Set it up for Keita after a perfect one-two. Forced Dubravka to make some majestic saves, but the 25-year-old Portuguese should have been more lethal in terms of converting some of the chances.
Liverpool Substitutes Vs Newcastle United
Mohamed Salah: 6
Should have earned his side the insurance goal by beating Dubravka one-on-one.
Fabinho: 7
Slipped on a few occasions but he made quick recoveries every time to regain possession.
Thiago Alcantara: 7
Calmed things down in midfield and played his part in defending the one-goal lead.
