Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool: Player ratings as Trent Alexander-Arnold earns a 7

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  • Liverpool were given a real scare at Newcastle United but managed to come away with all three points, keeping the pressure on Manchester City and the Premier League title race alive.

    Virgil van Dijk buried Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner for the opener in the 13th minute before Chrstian Atsu levelled things up seven minutes later.

    Alexander-Arnold was the creator again when Mohamed Salah steered in his 22nd league goal of the season in the 28th minute but Salomon Rondon dragged the Magpies level to make it 2-2 in the 54th minute.

    Both sides had a share of the opportunities before two second-half substitutes Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri combined for a dramatic winner. The striker got his head to the Swiss’ free-kick though Jamaal Lascelles’ touch was telling.

    Here, we rate the performances of Liverpool’s players.

    STARTING XI (4-4-3)

    Alisson – Denied Javier Manquillo in the first half but didn’t have any other noteworthy saves to make. Helpless for the two goals. 6

    Trent Alexander-Arnold – Made a clearance off the line – though it may have been with his hand – only for Atsu to score the rebound. Excellent delivery saw him pick up two assists. 7

    Dejan Lovren – Unconvincing with his passing and was caught out of position for Newcastle’s first. Made a number of clearances. 5

    Virgil van Dijk – Made no mistake with a free-header from close range but was caused plenty of problems by Rondon and Co. 6

    Andrew Robertson – Impressed with an energetic display. Seemed to be setting off on sprints the whole game and constantly created chances with his threatening crosses. 7

    Jordan Henderson – Did a good job directing play in midfield though he wasn’t always in control. 6

    Fabinho – Wayward with his usually effective long passing but still put in a shift defensively. Slotted in at centre-back late on. 5

    Georginio Wijnaldum – A weak headed clearance led to Newcastle’s second but the Dutchman was otherwise composed in the middle. 6

    Mohamed Salah – A tad selfish on occasion but took his goal well, set up Mane for a one-on-one and was a constant threat before leaving the pitch injured. 7

    Sadio Mane – Missed a great chance to make it 3-1 in the first half. Wasteful with his passing and struggled to make an impact. 4

    Daniel Sturridge – Poor from the start. Moves regularly ended with his poor control or misplaced passes. Set up well by Robertson early in the second half but blazed over the bar. 3

    SUBS

    Xherdan Shaqiri (for Wijnaldum 66′) – Great in-swinging ball from the free-kick for the winner. 6

    Divock Origi (for Salah 73′) – Made an impact off the bench running down the left and will claim the winner. 6

    James Milner (for Lovren 84′) – Provided the fresh legs Liverpool needed at the death. N/A

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