Newcastle vs Liverpool ratings: Liverpool player ratings

Liverpool left it late to get three points against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park by winning the game 3-2.

The Reds knew that only a win would take the Premier League title race to the final day, and they got the result via a late goal.

Newcastle were never going to make it easy for us but the Reds started the game well. Virgil van Dijk gave us the lead in the first half as he nodded in a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner.

The Magpies then equalised via Christian Atsu. Trent was a little lucky as he handled the ball on the line and the Newcastle winger knocked in the rebound.

The Liverpool defender could have been off had Atsu missed the chance. Trent then provided a beautiful cross for Mohamed Salah, who volleyed the ball into the net to give us the lead.

The second half also started with Newcastle trying to get the equaliser and Salomon Rondon got a deserved goal as he lashed the ball into the net.

Things looked bleak for us as Salah had to go off with a head injury, but there was still one last twist in the tale.

Origi came up with another late goal from a Xherdan Shaqiri cross, and the Reds held on despite eight minutes of stoppage time.

It is up to Manchester City now to reclaim top spot as they face Leicester City on Monday, and Liverpool need to prepare for their Champions League semifinal against Barcelona in midweek.

Liverpool player ratings

Alisson – 6.5/10

The Brazilian could not do much to keep out both Newcastle goals but made some quality saves throughout the game.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8.5/10

Our defence didn’t look all that great throughout the game, partly due to Newcastle making it difficult for us. Trent was excellent in the attack and should start for us against Barcelona in midweek.

Dejan Lovren – 5.5/10

Lovren came in to replace Matip but didn’t have a great game. The Croatian was troubled by the pace of Atsu and was bullied by Rondon. The defender also had a role to play in both the goals we conceded.

Virgil van Dijk – 8/10

Opened the scoring for the Reds with a trademark header and commanded the defence well when called into action.

Andy Robertson – 8/10

Robertson was constantly bombing up and down the left flank and had some great deliveries, which we could not convert. The Scot also had an important header that stopped a Newcastle goal.

Fabinho – 7.5/10

The Brazilian had to play several roles during the game and ended the game as a centre-back. Fabinho had to shield the back four on his own and won us the free-kick which led to the winner.

Georginio Wijnaldum – 6/10

A return to his former stomping ground did not work out too well as the Dutch midfielder looked a little tired.

Jordan Henderson – 6.5/10

The former Sunderland midfielder was busy in the midfield but didn’t have many telling moments in the game.

Mohamed Salah – 7.5/10

Salah took his chance really well as he gave us a 2-1 lead. The Egyptian was a threat throughout the game, and it was sad seeing him leave after getting clattered by Martin Dubravka.

Daniel Sturridge – 6.5/10

Sturridge did not have a stellar game as he missed a glorious chance to make it 3-1. He got Klopp animated when he wasn’t tracking back and was also at fault for the first goal we conceded.

Sadio Mane – 6.5/10

The Senegal star was a little out of sorts in the game and didn’t trouble the Newcastle goal a lot.

Substitutes

Xherdan Shaqiri – 7/10

Shaqiri came on as an impact sub and did his bit for our title challenge. The Swiss delivered a brilliant free-kick for Origi to score.

Divock Origi – 6.5/10

Origi didn’t have too many minutes to get into the game but he got the telling touch as the Reds scored their third goal. Jamaal Lascelles might have got the final touch but the Liverpool ace won’t care.

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James Milner – NA

Was brought on to provide some composure in the final minutes.