Liverpool kept their title hopes alive after a narrow 1-0 win over the resurgent Newcastle United. Naby Keita’s strike in the first was proved to be the winner for the Reds. Liverpool now sit atop of the Premier League, with a two point lead over Manchester City. However, City have a game in hand as they play Leeds United later in the day. But as of now, Liverpool would be hoping that City drop points against Leeds. Here are our player rating for Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp rang in many changes to his starting eleven from the Villarreal game. Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Naby Keita, James Milner, Diogo Jota all made a comeback in the starting line-up for the Reds. Liverpool started on the front foot, taking the lead inside 20 minutes. Jota released Keita on goal who rounded Newcastle ‘keeper Dubravka before slotting the ball in an open net. However, it was all Liverpool in the game as the Magpies failed to make a comeback. The Liverpool player rating are as follows.
Liverpool player rating: Defence
Alisson Becker- 7/10
Faced only two shots on target and nothing else than that. Parried away the attempts and earned a massive 20th clean-sheet in the league this season.
Joe Gomez- 7/10
A makeshift right-back for the game. However, Gomez did his job and kept Saint-Maximin quiet. Moreover, pushed up whenever the chance aroused.
Joel Matip- 7/10
Dominated the Newcastle attackers and barely gave them a sight at the goal. Powerful presence in the air against the towering Chris Wood winning 3 aerial duels.
Virgil van Dijk- 8/10
Being a brick-wall for the Reds at the back has become routine for Van Dijk. Another commanding display from the Dutchman.
Andy Robertson- 6/10
Didn’t press up the field as much as other times. However, exploited the huge voids left by Almiron on his flank and took the opportunity to attack. But his crossing was below-par considering his standards.
Midfield
James Milner- 8/10
A near-perfect game. Brilliant tackle for winning the ball back in the build up to Keita’s goal. Moreover, delivered 4 key-passes, 3 crosses and won all his aerial duels.
Jordan Henderson- 7/10
The captain was played in the defensive mid’s position here. Did his job, progressed the ball up the field, played safe than inviting unnecessary risk, and a 100% success rate in dribbles, tackles and crosses supplied.
Naby Keita- 9/10
The lone goal-scorer for Liverpool receives our highest rating than any other outfield player. Keita absolutely enjoyed his time on the pitch. Was everywhere and did everything. Took the goal exceptionally well and chipped in with a massive 9 ball recoveries.
Attack
Luis Diaz- 7/10
The winger didn’t see much of the ball here, but tried to create something whenever the ball at the feet. But his sudden burst of pace proved to be a nightmare for the Newcastle defenders.
Diogo Jota- 8/10
Scintillating from the striker. Created Keita’s goal and fired 4 shots on target for the Reds.
Sadio Mane- 5/10
It seems we are looking at one Mane in the Champions League and another in the league. Again a struggling game for the Senegalese. Lowest rating as missed two good chances and a mere 28 touches to the ball, the least among any Liverpool player as even Alisson managed 49.
Substitutes
Mohamed Salah- 6/10
Replaced Mane in the 69th minute. Created enough problems for the Magpies in his limited minutes.
Fabinho- 6/10
Replaced Henderson in the 69th minute. Contained the late threat from Newcastle for an equalizer well.
Thiago- N/A
Replaced Milner in the 78th minute.
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