Liverpool continued their scintillating form with a comfortable 4-0 win against Newcastle United to open up a six-point gap at the top of the table, and win their eighth Premier League game on the trot.
Here are the Liverpool player ratings from their win over Newcastle.
Alisson (7/10): Wasn’t really tested this afternoon as Newcastle once again struggled to create real openings. He registered his 12th clean sheet of the season – more than anyone else in the league.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (8.5/10): His excellent service on the right flank played a key role in Liverpool’s dominance as the young English international provided a host of impressive crosses to feed the attackers. Although he did misplace a few passes at times, it was yet another remarkable performance from Alexander-Arnold.
Dejan Lovren (8/10): Really has evolved into a top class defender as the Croatian international hardly put a foot wrong this evening. He was confident with his passing and rarely gave the ball away while also being clever with his positioning. Lovren’s thumping strike in the first half laid the foundation for Liverpool’s dominance.
Virgil van Dijk (8/10): As you would normally expect from the Dutchman, Van Dijk was a force in defence, often stopping the opposing attackers with his imposing presence.
Andrew Robertson (8.5/10): Much like Alexander-Arnold, Robertson had a busy game in the attacking half, which kept the opposition occupied.
Jordan Henderson (8/10): Kept things in tip-top shape with some convincing tackles. But, what really caught the eye was his willingness to win the loose balls as well as his passing, which was absolutely top-notch.
Georginio Wijnaldum (7.5/10): Hovered around the half-spaces and helped Liverpool in their transition play in midfield. His convincing performance helped the Reds control the game before he was replaced by Fabinho on the hour mark.
Xherdan Shaqiri (9/10): Despite a rather steady start to the game, notably squandering a huge chance in the first half, Shaqiri emerged as a key figure in the Liverpool attack as the game progressed.
He was involved in practically everything, which included a brilliant reverse pass to Sadio Mane before scoring the third in the 79th minute. He has definitely been a bargain signing for the Reds this season.
Roberto Firmino (8.5/10): Firmino’s neat touches and clever flicks opened up the Newcastle defence more than once. He was replaced by Daniel Sturridge in the 68th minute.
Sadio Mane (8.5/10): He was a menace on the flanks, constantly making dangerous runs in behind the defence as well as providing crosses into the box.
Mohamed Salah (8.5/10): His neat movement, deft touches and quick feet tormented the Newcastle defence that often appeared clueless against the Egyptian wizard. Won the penalty to double Liverpool’s advantage just after the restart.
Substitutes
Fabinho (8/10): Replaced Wijnaldum in the 62nd minute and provided more control in midfield with his exceptional passing. He also scored the fourth goal to add more gloss into the scoreline.
Daniel Sturridge (7/10): A 68th-minute replacement for Firmino, who tried to link up with teammates in the final third, but was never as influential as the Brazilian.
Nathaniel Clyne (NA): Came on for Robertson late in the game.
