Another fixture, another Mohamed Salah goal as Liverpool‘s familiar formula for success produced a 2-0 league victory over Newcastle on Saturday.
The Egyptian scored his 32nd goal in all competitions this season, firing left-footed under Magpies stopper Martin Dubravka in the 40th minute from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain‘s pass.
Not too long after, Sadio Mane kept the party going by adding Liverpool’s second on the back of Roberto Firmino‘s set-up in the 55th minute.
With the win, Liverpool now move up to second in the table, ahead of Manchester United and Tottenham.
Here are the player ratings for Liverpool on the night.
STARTING XI (4-3-3)
Loris Karius – Picked off a threatening shot aimed at the corner with a diving save at the end of the first half but wasn’t required to do much after. 7
Virgil van Dijk – Quietly went about his business at the back and did what he had to anytime Newcastle pushed forward. 7
Dejan Lovren – Hardly had to make his presence felt, but that will sit just fine with Liverpool fans as there were no defensive lapses to be concerned about. 6
Andrew Robertson – Liverpool played more through the middle so his pace and crossing down the flank wasn’t required as much, but got forward at every opportunity. 6
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Struggled on occasions to get the ball out of Liverpool’s box to start the second half but was otherwise solid as he marauded forward. 6
Jordan Henderson – Did some of the little things needed to keep the ball moving while also thwarting Newcastle’s runs in front of the defence. 6
Sadio Mane – Touch wasn’t on point for much of the night but made his strike count in the second half for Liverpool’s second goal. 7
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – His run and pass to Salah set up Liverpool’s first and he did well playing in the middle to help facilitate the attack. 7
Emre Can – Was fairly anonymous as the ball didn’t seem to find him much, but also didn’t put a foot wrong. 6
Roberto Firmino – After a few of his passes early on failed to connect, he fed Mane perfectly to put Liverpool 2-0 up and settle the points. 7
Mohamed Salah – Not the classiest of his 32 finishes this season as he drove the ball through Newcastle keeper Dubravka, but his strike was crucial as it got Liverpool off the mark as they made their first-half pressure count. 8
SUBSTITUTES
Adam Lallana – His gradual return to the line-up continued with some time as Liverpool comfortably held their lead. 6
James Milner – Had little opportunity in the few minutes he saw. 6
