Liverpool

Liverpool player ratings vs Newcastle: Darwin Nunez & Cody Gakpo star as Alisson comes up BIG for Reds

Peter McVitie
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Alisson Liverpool 2022-23
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Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo gave the Reds a two-goal lead early on against Newcastle but their goalkeeper proved to be vital in securing the victory.

Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo were decisive as Liverpool picked up a 2-0 win against Newcastle on Saturday.

The Reds found themselves with a comfortable lead just 17 minutes into the clash and the job of holding onto it was made easier when Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope was sent off for a bizarre handball.

It was certainly not a stroll for Jurgen Klopp's team, however, as Allan Saint-Maximin led the charge for the hosts. Indeed, Alisson had to be at his best to keep the Magpies out with a string of saves, while he also had a hand in Pope's red card with his quick-thinking setting Mohamed Salah away on the counter.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from St James' Park as the improvement continues for Jurgen Klopp's men...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Alisson (8/10):

    A solid performance with some excellent saves. His big punt up the field resulted in Nick Pope's slip up and red card.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10):

    Found Darwin Nunez with a sublime pass to set up the opening goal.

    Joe Gomez (5/10):

    Had a tough time up against Allan Saint-Maximin, who was a big threat, and his passing wasn't up to scratch.

    Virgil van Dijk (6/10):

    Was kept busy as Newcastle kept attacking but dealt with most trouble well and was comfortable on the ball.

    Andrew Robertson (6/10):

    Pushed up to help out in attack as Liverpool tried to kill the game off but not at his best in this match.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Jordan Henderson (7/10):

    A tame performance from the England international. Sloppy in possession, Newcastle were able to cut through him too easily.

    Fabinho (5/10):

    Not at his best in this game. Was booked after 20 minutes and just seemed behind the pace of the game.

    Stefan Bajcetic (7/10):

    Had a role in the build-up to the second goal with a nice turn and drive, looked better than his experienced midfield team-mates before going off early.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Mohamed Salah (7/10):

    Put through a glorious pass to set up Gakpo for his team's second goal and was a constant threat for the visitors.

    Cody Gakpo (7/10):

    Timed his run perfectly and finished well to net his second goal for the Reds but was taken off early.

    Darwin Nunez (8/10):

    His touch and shot for the opening goal were sublime and he was a lively figure until he went off injured before the hour mark. That'll be a big worry for the Reds ahead of the Real Madrid tie.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Roberto Firmino (5/10):

    Sloppy in possession after coming on for Darwin Nunez and failed to really threaten the Newcastle goal.

    James Milner (7/10):

    A quality performance from the veteran midfielder after he was brought on less than 15 minutes into the second half.

    Diogo Jota (6/10):

    Back in Premier League action for his second appearance since October but still not up to full fitness. Missed a good chance with a header late on and then had a tame effort blocked.

    Harvey Elliott (6/10):

    Came one for Henderson before the hour mark and looked sound in midfield.

    Jurgen Klopp (7/10):

    His team were up for the fight immediately and were already sitting comfortably within 20 minutes. He set them up well and acted quickly to switch it up in the second half to prevent his team getting stale and save some players for the Real Madrid clash in midweek.