Outstanding Chamberlain, Top-class Mane – The best and the worst rated Liverpool stars vs Newcastle

Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle United: Salah Scores Again As Reds Rise Up The Table

Liverpool notched up an easy 2-0 victory against Newcastle United and the Reds have managed to cruise ahead of arch-rivals Manchester United to occupy the second spot in the Premier League standings. The Reds put up a solid show as their attack forces once again shone through and worked hard to seal a win for them.

Anfield came alive as Mohamed Salah opened the scoring with a brilliant shot right before half-time and the visitors could do nothing to restrict Jurgen Klopp’s men. The second goal was scored by Sadio Mane in the second-half and from then on, Liverpool knew they had the 3 points in their bag. It was a good display overall and let’s take a look at how each player fared individually.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Loris Karius – 8/10

A lot has been said about how Liverpool need a new goalkeeper but Karius appears to be getting better with every game – both in terms of confidence and authority. He made a few important saves and put in a promising display.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7/10

He battled hard with Kenedy and put in a reassuring performance at the back.

Dejan Lovren – 7.5/10

Lovren has improved leaps and bounds since the start of the season and this game was certainly a proof of that. He put in a strong display at the heart of the defence and kept the Magpies at bay.

Virgil van Dijk – 9/10

Van Dijk’s influence on and off the ball was quite palpable and he out-ran and out-muscled everyone who came in his way. He is undoubtedly one of the pillars at the back for Liverpool.

Andrew Robertson – 7/10

Robertson was far from his best but he was solid and got the basics right. Luckily for him, it is all that mattered tonight.

Emre Can – 8/10

Regardless of whether he leaves in the summer or not, Can’s performances have improved remarkably and he put in a solid shift in the middle of the park with some influential plays.

Jordan Henderson – 8.5/10

Henderson displayed immense strength in dictating the proceedings in the midfield area and he won back possession with such ease.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 9.5/10

Energetic and effective, Oxlade-Chamberlain was easily the standout performer for the Reds tonight. He was also involved in Mohamed Salah’s opening goal.

Mohamed Salah – 8.5/10

Salah continues to be one of Liverpool’s brightest talents this season. Even when he is not looking for a goal, he does just about enough to keep the attack together and he scored the opening goal just at the right time to increase the pressure on Newcastle.

Roberto Firmino – 8/10

Firmino’s work-rate is absolutely incredible. Although he could not find ample space to capitalise on, the Brazilian was involved in Mane’s goal and was quite influential.

Sadio Mane – 9/10

Again, Mane was on fire for Liverpool. To be fair, Newcastle put up a tough defence for a good majority of the first-half but Mane was constantly on the prowl looking for gaps and was one of the fastest players on the pitch.

Substitutes:

Adam Lallana – 7/10

Lallana may have come on as a substitute but his presence was quite strong and he desperately needs a start.

James Milner – 6/10

Focused mainly on keeping possession and guarding the back-four, which he did do decently enough.

Joel Matip – N/A

Came on quite late for Firmino and did not have much to do on the field.