In the 2-0 Liverpool victory over Newcastle United, Alisson was outstanding while the offensive players for the Reds also shone. Thus, the Reds have now closed the gap to just 6 points from the Top 4.
For the Reds, star players like Virgil van Dijk and Salah were performing at their peak. Their play had both incision and accuracy. In advance of their Champions League match against Real Madrid, Jurgen Klopp’s team appears to be making a troubling comeback.
Newcastle United 0-2 Liverpool Player Ratings
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Alisson (9.5/10)
The Brazilian was once again a star, making a crucial save to stop Miguel Almiron early on and then creating a gorgeous raking ball just before Nick Pope was dismissed. With a flawless performance, he stopped Allan Saint-Maximin and made a crucial stop late to halt Callum Wilson.
Alexander-Arnold (8/10)
Alexander-Arnold was having a difficult time in the first exchanges against Saint-Maximin, but he was able to adjust to the game nicely. His forward crossing was excellent, and it gave Darwin Nunez the first goal that earned him his second assist of the week. As the minutes passed, his defensive strength increased as well. He is attempting to re-establish greater form.
Joe Gomez (5.5/10)
Gomez was chosen over Joel Matip to play center back, although he was never completely convincing, coming off as Liverpool’s poorest defender. Alexander Isak defeated the Englishman because he made a few dubious choices regarding trying for aerial tussles and wasn’t always front-foot enough. There was some nice mixed in, but right now he doesn’t give us much hope.
Van Dijk (7.5/10)
At St. James’ Park, Van Dijk made a very satisfying comeback from injury. His presence again might be crucial in the race for the top-four spot. The Dutchman returned to first-team duty naturally, first appearing a tad slow, but he rallied the troops as Newcastle improved with 10 men. One spectacular long-range ball to Mohamed Salah served as a timely reminder of his capacity to convert defense into attack in an instant.
Robertson (8/10)
Robertson performed admirably against the in-form Miguel Almiron and was his normal, dependable self. The left-back provided offensive impetus when it was required and maintained calm over a stretch of the first half when Liverpool grew careless. A late opportunity to make it 3-0 was missed, though. The moment he enters the box, he resembles a jigsaw puzzle.
Midfielders
Fabinho (7.5/10)
Fabinho was kept in the starting lineup after showing a noticeable improvement against Everton. Despite the fact that he is still a far cry from the guy that won so many midfield duels in former years, he has contributed significantly more than he has this year. As the minutes passed, he improved, bringing order to the middle of the field, breaking up play, and effectively using the ball.
Henderson (7/10)
The captain, like Fabinho, sought to build on a strong performance and performed admirably in his right-sided No. 8 position overall. Henderson was more energized than he has for most of this season, and he made good connections with Salah and Alexander-Arnold down the right. The midfield is still too wide with him in there, but he fared well against the team he despised growing up. He still has bigger battles ahead of him and has room to go up a notch.
Bajcetic (7.5/10)
The star player for Liverpool was as composed and efficient as always, not drawing as much attention to himself as in the past but still performing his duties admirably. Bajcetic was the Reds’ most ferocious midfield presser, and he occasionally displayed impressive spatial awareness by maintaining the ball in constrained areas. Amazingly for an 18-year-old, already seems so at home.
Forwards
Mo Salah (8.5/10)
In the beginning of the week, Salah found his scoring touch again, exhausting Everton, and he excelled once more in this game. The Egyptian King’s quickness continually troubled Dan Burn, and Cody Gakpo’s excellent clipped pass allowed Liverpool to go up 2-0. He now appears happier, and he is capable of propelling Liverpool into the top four.
Darwin Nunez (9/10)
Nunez, operating out on the left wing once more, was devastating at times and constantly appeared poised to create havoc. The 23-year-old’s touch and finish put Liverpool ahead, and his use of the ball was considerably more proficient than it has ever been. Nunez has had some really severe criticism, but he is improving every week, so hopefully, his issues are not significant.
Cody Gakpo (7/10)
Gakpo made his debut against Everton, and he continued to improve with a strong performance at St. James’. The newest addition to Liverpool did a good job of finishing his goal after sneaking in behind the defense, and he worked effectively with Salah and Nunez in the center of the field. Football requires a lot of confidence, and Gakpo suddenly appears to be a new player.
Substitutions
Milner (6/10)
One Bobby Moore-style tackle on a former Blue Anthony Gordon! He was a little late on certain challenges, but he crushed others!
Diogo Jota (6/10)
Missed a sitter and flashed one shot wide. Though he was active, he ought to have scored his first goal of the year.
Harvey Elliott (6/10)
Although doing nothing wrong, he went unnoticed. Retained the ball and triumphed in some confrontations.
