Newcastle United player ratings as 4/10 star suffers Liverpool nightmare and many fizzle out
The Magpies are still searching for their first win at Anfield this century – despite briefly looking good against the Reds. In the end they were thumped 4-1.
Newcastle United briefly threatened to end their Anfield misery after a blazing start on Merseyside before reverting to type at a ground they have not won at since 1995 in the Coca-Cola Cup.
The Magpies went ahead on 36 minutes when Anthony Gordon fired home after good work from Joe Willock on the left before he picked out Harvey Barnes, and an interception from Ryan Gravenberch found its way to the England international, who netted in front of the Kop.
But Liverpool wrestled back control when Hugo Ekitike’s quickfire double on 41 and 43 minutes put the home side in front. Liverpool gave themselves breathing space on 67 minutes when Florian Wirtz lashed home and Konate made it 4-1 in stoppage time as the rain lashed down in front of the Kop.
Here’s how Newcastle fared at Anfield:
Nick Pope 6
Had a busy night with some key saves, but left totally exposed for two mad minutes at the end of the first half. Dropped a clanger in stoppage time to leak a fourth as Konate’s weak effort rolled past him.
Kieran Trippier 6
Battled hard and tried to lead but lack of pace was exposed for first two goals.
Malick Thiaw 4
Had a nightmare for goals two and three as he effectively stood aside as the goals went in. Watched on as number four trickled beyond his keeper.
Dan Burn 6
Not his best night but still cleared well when he needed to. Rooted to the spot for the fourth goal.
Lewis Hall 8
Started the game in blazing fashion as he dealt with Mo Salah well. Roared into challenges. Duped a little for the third goal though but still Newcastle’s best player.
Joe Willock 7
Definitely coming into some form and caused Liverpool first half problems with a big hand in the goal. Tired towards the end and was carrying early knock.
Jacob Ramsey 6
Another to open up in decent mannner but then lose his way.
Sandro Tonali 5
Fell away after a reasonable opening. Too easily pushed around on set-pieces.
Anthony Gordon 7
Set the tone with a snappy start as he troubled the Liverpool defence. A superb opener and had other good moments before fizzling out.
Harvey Barnes 7
Can be considered unfortunate to be taken off. A big threat as he smacked the post and forced Alisson into a second half save.
Anthony Elanga 5
Wasn’t a bad start. But didn’t threaten anywhere near enough in my opinion. Just two crosses all night and no shots.
Subs
Nick Woltemade 4 (for Willock 72)
Yoane Wissa 4 (for Barnes 72)
Jacob Murphy 5 (for Elanga 72)
William Osula (for Trippier 84)
Alex Murphy (for Hall 89)
*Subs must play 15 minutes to get a mark