NUFC player ratings vs Liverpool – One 9, three 8’s, several 7’s, the odd 6, two 5’s and one 4

It was a frustrating end to the match for Newcastle United, as we conceded a late winner to Liverpool deep into stoppage time.

Although some will argue that the game should have finished before Fabio Carvalho smashed home, we should have defended the dead ball better. We were seconds away from taking a well earned point away from Anfield, so there were still plenty positives in defeat.

Below, we rate the performances of each player.

Nick Pope – 7 – It was an assured performance from the goalkeeper, as he was great from his line and offered a calming presence to the defence. He couldn’t have done much more for either goal. Pope continues to show why the club signed him this summer.

Kieran Trippier – 7 – As ever, Trippier was a leader on the pitch and helped restrict Liverpool to few key chances. He offered a good option with the ball, as he distributed well and helped the team counter attack effectively.

Jamaal Lascelles – 7 – It was a surprise to see the captain named in the team, but he wasn’t the weak link people thought he would be. Lascelles performed well at Anfield and showed that he still has something to offer the team. His passing was also better than it usually is, showing that he is working on this side to his game.

Dan Burn – 9* – Another surprise selection in the role, but Burn was excellent. Sven Botman has been great and needs to be a starter for the long term. However, Burn is still a very good Premier League centre back and he showed that on Wednesday. His reading of the game and aggressive style make him perfect for Eddie Howe’s team.

Matt Targett – 8 – After his injury, it was nice to see Targett get reinstated to the first eleven. He and Burn have a good relationship when they play together. They managed to keep Mohamed Salah relatively quiet during the game, which should be commended. Three successful tackles and four interceptions show his contribution.

Sean Longstaff – 7 – It was a better performance from Longstaff as he continues to deputise in midfield. He was rarely caught out of position and his pressing did unsettle Liverpool. However, it was his ability to pick a great through ball to Alexander Isak that was his standout moment.

Joe Willock – 6 – Howe would have wanted strong showings from all his midfielders, as this was an area of weakness for Liverpool. Willock was full of running, making three tackles and two interceptions. His work rate off the ball makes him perfect for matches like this one. Willock has more to show with the ball and wasn’t at his best in that respect here, but his start to the season has been pleasing.

Joelinton – 8 – The Brazilian was at his hard working best on Wednesday and he was key in unsettling the Liverpool team. He made five tackles and three interceptions. Joelinton’s ball carrying was important in getting us up the field, especially without Saint-Maximin.

Miguel Almiron – 5 – As ever, he worked hard, but Almiron didn’t really carry a threat with the ball. Without Saint-Maximin, we needed the Paraguayan to be more effective in the final third.

Ryan Fraser – 6.5 – This was an encouraging performance from Fraser, as he did carry a threat in the middle third with his dribbling and passing. He had a good chance to score in the first half and his movement seemed to cause issues for Liverpool. However, you could see that the Scottish international wasn’t fully fit, as he tired in the second half.

Alexander Isak – 8 – This was a great debut from Isak. His composure to score the opening goal was great to see and it suggests he will score lots of goals in the Premier League. It is important for a striker to get off the mark quickly, so to manage it on his debut was good for the team. He was inches away from scoring a second excellent goal, but he didn’t quite time his run correctly.

SUBS:

Chris Wood – 5 – Rarely for Eddie Howe, the subs didn’t change the game in a positive way. Wood worked hard, but didn’t really add much to the performance. 5

Jacob Murphy – 4 – If Wood didn’t add much, Murphy actively made it worse. He had a few chances to run at the Liverpool defence, but was easily dispossessed every time. It underlined the need for reinforcements.

Elliot Anderson – N/A – Came on for the last 10 minutes. Won a free kick and almost got a shot off after arriving in the box during stoppage time.