Szoboszlai MOTM, 5/10 struggles – Liverpool player ratings v Newcastle
Liverpool beat Newcastle 2-0 to cement their Premier League title chances on Wednesday.
The Reds went 13 points clear at the summit after they secured a comfortable victory and Arsenal drew with Nottingham Forest (26 February).
Goals from Dominic Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister were the difference between the two sides at Anfield on what could turn out to be a pivotal night in the title race.
Here, Liverpool News rates the Reds out of 10.
Alisson – 6
Did not have much to do as the Magpies were without star man and Reds target Alexander Isak but was reliable when called upon.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7 (on for Quansah, 77)
His defensive effort was a world away from the horror show against City where he was dribbled past 15 times and the England ace was a big presence at the back when the Geordies threatened.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
A typically solid performance from the Frenchman as he dealt with everything that came his way and was exceptional in build-up play.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Continued his sensational form from the clash with Pep Guardiola’s side as he swept aside anything Eddie Howe’s side attempted and completed the most passes in the contest.
Kostas Tsimikas – 6
Was a threat down the wing and won the majority of duels that he contested in a solid performance when replacing Andy Robertson.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7 (off for Endo, 77)
The Dutchman looked refreshed after a rough couple of weeks and put in another monster performance defensively allowing his fellow midfielders to contribute further up the pitch.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8 (off for Jones, 86)
Wrapped up the contest with a superb finish and was a constant presence when the hosts were trying to win the ball back, a typical Mac Allister showing at this point.
Dominic Szoboszlai shines in Liverpool v Newcastle
Dominic Szoboszlai – 9
The Hungarian notched his second goal in two games to open the scoring and was excellent defensively, constantly recovering the ball for the Reds, he is finally maturing into the player that Reds supporters thought they were signing.
Mohamed Salah – 6
Notched another goal contribution with the pass to Mac Allister and was a persistent threat to the Newcastle defenders despite not scoring.
Diogo Jota struggles despite Liverpool win
Diogo Jota – 5 (off for Gakpo, 62)
Failed to make a mark in the contest at either end and was hooked in the 62nd minute, perhaps still not fully fit on this evidence.
Luis Diaz – 7 (off for Nunez, 86)
There were questions when Diaz was named ahead of Cody Gakpo in the starting line-up but they were not justified as he notched the assist for Szoboszlai’s strike and created the most chances in the match.
Substitutes:
Cody Gakpo – 6 (on for Jota, 62)
Wataru Endo – N/A (on for Gravenberch, 77)
Jarell Quansah – N/A (on for Alexander-Arnold, 77)
Darwin Nunez – N/A (on for Diaz, 86)
Curtis Jones – N/A (on for Mac Allister, 86)