It was a familiar story on the road for Newcastle United last night, as a strong start was thrown away in a 4-1 defeat at Anfield.

Anthony Gordon grabbed our opening goal, but a quickfire Hugo Ekitike brace and abject second-half display saw Liverpool run away with it in comfortable fashion.

Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved in last night’s defeat.

Starting 11

Pope (5) – Made early saves to keep us in it, denying Ekitike’s chip and more, but exposed for the brace and that howler on Konate’s weak effort – couldn’t command the box when it mattered.

Trippier (4.5) – Grafted as skipper and recovered well at times, but pace issues showed badly for the first two goals, with a costly slip for Wirtz’s assist. Tried to lead but got hooked late. Looks past it, if the truth be told. 

Thiaw (4) – Shaky showing – gave Ekitike too much room for the second goal, gifted possession leading to the third, and just stood off as goals flew in. Started very well with some timely tackles, but his positioning crumbled in big moments.

Burn (6)- Won key headers and cleared danger no-nonsense style, edged his centre back partner despite shaky moments like letting Ekitike through. Booked for dissent, but aerially solid.

Hall (7) – Our brightest player. Strong on Salah early, put in a physical shift and was a good outlet on the left. Got done a bit for the third but stood out before late sub.

Tonali (5) – Tireless early, blasted a shot over, but faded as the game went on. Shoved around on set-pieces and gave ball away cheaply. Was much better in midweek, but couldn’t grab the midfield without Bruno.

Ramsey (6) – Decent start, athletic tone first hour, tidy on ball but quiet overall – no killer passes. Booked for lunge on Kerkez.

Willock (6) – Bursting run helped Gordon’s goal, tracked back well after early knock, but energy dropped post-break. Subbed in the 73rd minute – gave it a go.

Elanga (5.5) – Nuisance down right, tracked Kerkez well and looked more lively, but pace not used effectively – a few crosses, no shots. Subbed in the 73rd minute, limited threat.

Gordon (7) – Set the tone snappily in that false nine role, smashed home a belter in front of the Kop and troubled them early. Faded second half but our top attacker – booked for clipping Alisson.

Barnes (6) – Menace early – rattled post with free-kick, forced a good save in the second half and was involved in goal to set up Gordon. Overdid it sometimes, faded before sub – unlucky to come off.

Substitutes 

Woltemade (5) – On 73rd minute, couple tidy touches but no threat or impact – kept it simple but couldn’t dent the scoreline.

Wissa (4.5) – Quiet off bench from 73rd minute, no spark up top in disjointed setup. Barely got a touch. 

J Murphy (5) – Replaced Elanga in 73rd minute, tried to be positive but barely involved as game slipped away. Tough ask.

Osula (5) – Came on down the right. Made the odd bursting run and had a low cross cleared.

A Murphy (NR) – Replaced Hall late on.