Ian Doyle rates the players after Liverpool’s win over Newcastle
Liverpool moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League on Monday after a thrilling 4-2 win over Newcastle United.
The Reds were the dominant force throughout the first half and missed a glorious opportunity to take the lead when Mohamed Salah saw his penalty saved by Martin Dubravka.
Luis Diaz also saw a goal ruled out for offside, as did Newcastle’s Dan Burn, who headed home after a rare foray forward for the visitors.
Salah made a fine move in the second half to give the Reds a deserved lead, although Newcastle were able to quickly respond through Alexander Isak on the counter.
Liverpool rallied though and stormed ahead after goals from Curtis Jones and another from substitute Cody Gakpo. Sven Botman made it 3-2 from a corner to set up a potentially nervy finish, before Salah made the game safe with a late penalty.
Ian Doyle was in attendance to rate the players at Anfield after a thrilling win.
Alisson Becker 7
Solid distribution when under pressure and claimed some high balls. There was no chance with either Newcastle goal, and I didn’t have a save of note to make.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 6
Uncomfortable moments first half up against Joelinton and losing Gordon for the Newcastle equaliser. Some decent passes went forward, and I struck the post with an audacious effort. Booked.
Ibrahima Konate 7
It helped to quell the threat of Isak before the break, but the striker got in behind for leveller. It is not easy for defenders in these conditions.
Virgil van Dijk 7
He was defensively untroubled and caused problems with his searching diagonals, but he played Isak onside for Newcastle first.
Joe Gomez 8
One good challenge prevented an opening for Miley in the first half and an occasional forward threat, and Miley continued to shine in the second half at both ends.
Wataru Endo 7
Managed to help Liverpool press high, with Newcastle rarely on offense in the first half. Kept going in the same vein after the break and won important challenges. Booked and subbed.
Dominik Szoboszlai 6
He worked hard and was involved in the build-up to the first goal, but he was guilty of some poor distribution at key times that allowed Newcastle to build rare momentum. Subbed.
Curtis Jones 8
Brought energy and tempo to Liverpool midfield efforts, tested Dubravka several times before the break, and continued to find shooting opportunities before tapping in the second. Very good.
Mohamed Salah 8
Always looked to have the better of Burn, but confidence was momentarily knocked by a penalty miss until tapping in the opener. Laid on the third in superb fashion before tucking away from the spot.
Darwin Nunez 6
It was a real mixed bag for the Uruguayan, who got into some good positions and provided a fine assist for the opener but missed a handful of good chances. Subbed.
Luis Diaz 8
The goal was disallowed, and he won a penalty with a strong run during a lively first-half display and was heavily involved in the opener. Booked for complaining after being fouled. Subbed.
Ryan Gravenberch (for Szoboszlai 64) 5
Not the impact from the bench he was looking for.
Cody Gakpo (for Diaz 64)
He fired one effort at Dubravka shortly after coming on and tapped in the third.
Diogo Jota (for Nunez 64)
He made an instant impact with his direct running, helped create the second, and won the penalty for the fourth. Excellent
Alexis Mac Allister (for Endo 75)
On his return from injury, a superb pass set Jota away to win his penalty.