Full Time: Newcastle United 1-1 Liverpool

Liverpool struggled to make the most of their domination against Newcastle United, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Rafael Benitez’s side, at the St. James’ Park, earlier in the day. 

Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring for the Reds at the half-hour mark, with a stunning strike from 25 yards out. The lead lasted only for 7 minutes though, as Newcastle hit back through summer signing Joselu’s freaky goal in the 36th minute. Liverpool enjoyed the majority of possession throughout the game and piled on a lot of pressure on Newcastle. However, they couldn’t find a way through and ended up with just a single point from the game. 

Here’s how the Liverpool players fared on the day:

Liverpool Player Ratings 

Simon Mignolet – 6/10 

Was a spectator for most parts of the game and was unfortunate to be beaten the way he was, for the goal. 

Joe Gomez – 5/10 

Saw a lot of the ball. Booked for a poor challenge on Christian Atsu and looked nervy at the back as the game went on.

Joel Matip – 5/10

Let Joselu run through and then ended up gifting him the goal in a comical manner. Was fairly solid apart from that, but that one blip ended up costing his team two points.

Dejan Lovren – 5/10

Had a goal denied by a clearance off the line, and was not the most alert while performing his primary duties at the back. Caught napping for Joselu’s goal.

Alberto Moreno – 6/10

Was given a stern test by Matt Ritchie, but the Spaniard came through strongly. There were a couple of frustrating moments, but it was a fairly disciplined performance. 

Gini Wijnaldum – 5.5/10 

Hit the post in the first-half and showed good energy levels. But he flitted in and out of the game a lot and completely faded after the break. 

Jordan Henderson – 6/10 

The captain held his fort well in the midfield and protected his back four reasonably well. Not much effect on things going forward.

Philippe Coutinho – 7.5/10 

By far the best and the classiest player on the field. Took his goal superbly after getting past two men before curling the ball into the net. Faded a little after the break, but was brilliant in the first period.

Mohamed Salah – 6/10

Was very lively in the attack, but lacked the clinical edge again. Had a great chance to make it 2-1, but blasted over. 

Daniel Sturridge – 5/10 

There were a few glimpses of positivity, but struggled in an overall sense. Had a good opportunity after the break, but couldn’t convert.  

Sadio Mane – 5/10 

Returned to the line-up after his three-match suspension, but had little impact on the proceedings. Was taken off early.

Substitutes 

Roberto Firmino – 6/10 

Replaced Sturridge in the 74th minute. Couldn’t find the winner for his team.

Dominic Solanke – 6/10

On for Mane for the final 15 minutes. Looked bright in his brief cameo.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – N/A 

Replaced Salah for the last six minutes.