Newcastle United player ratings vs Liverpool, Alexander Isak sublime in thrilling draw as two more stars get 9/10
Dan Murphy
6 – 8 minutes
Newcastle United put in an amazing performance against Premier League leaders Liverpool on Wednesday and came away with a 3-3 draw.
If you had to guess which team had beaten Real Madrid and Manchester City over the past week and which had lost to West Ham and drawn at Crystal Palace, you almost certainly would have got your answer wrong in the first half.
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Newcastle United were fantastic from the opening whistle against Liverpool, creating their first opening after 60 seconds and not relenting until the break.
This performance was a million miles away from the dull draw against Palace, with Eddie Howe’s side having four shots on target in the first 45 minutes after not managing a single one at Selhurst Park.
Though, it did begin to feel as though they would regret not taking those chances until the magnificent Alexander Isak smashed in the opener from 25 yards.
Liverpool levelled just after the break through Curtis Jones and looked much more like their usual selves but Newcastle were undeterred and went back ahead through Anthony Gordon.
Yet, Liverpool struck back again, with Mohamed Salah finishing off a brilliant team move and he put his team ahead for the first time late on.
Just when it seemed like Liverpool had the game won, Fabian Schar capitalised on a Caoimhin Kelleher mistake to slide in a last-minute equaliser.
A thrilling game and a great performance from Newcastle. A couple of mistakes nearly proved costly but they got the least of what they deserved with a point.
Here’s how the players rated.
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Newcastle United’s English midfielder #10 Anthony Gordon (R) celebrates scoring the team’s second goal with Newcastle United’s Swedish striker #14 …
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Nick Pope -8
Could do little with any of the goals but was alert to the rest of the danger that came his way, including a brilliant reflex save to deny a Jones header.
Tino Livramento – 7
Caught dawdling in possession and lucky it didn’t lead to a goal, with his teammates coming to the rescue. Tino Livramento is looking a little shaky of late with those sorts of mistakes but he recovered well to keep Cody Gakpo quiet.
Fabian Schar – 9
Had another tough battle on his hands with the chaotic Darwin Nunez but marshalled him well. Also made a brilliantly timed challenge on Luis Diaz when it was really needed and then turned up with a last-minute equaliser just when it felt like Newcastle were down and out.
Dan Burn – 8
Yet another rock-solid display in the heart of defence and it was he who started the move that led to the second goal by winning the ball back. Seemingly always in the right place for a block or challenge.
Lewis Hall – 5
Lewis Hall was culpable for two goals and it could have been more.
He started the game brightly but gave the ball away and lost Salah before he went on to set up the first leveller. Nearly gave another goal away shortly afterwards when he allowed a ball to bounce and again gave it to Salah and was then dragged in side and left the flank free for the third goal.
Understandably struggled against the electric Egyptian in the second half and should have done better with a couple of good chances in the first but good to see him more involved going forward after a couple of quiet games.
Sandro Tonali – 8
His lovely shuffle and shot in the opening minute set the tone for superb first half and he kept it up throughout by reading the game, winning the ball and using it positively. The last point directly led to Gordon’s goal as it was his incisive pass forward that put Newcastle on the front foot.
Looks to be finding his form again.
Bruno Guimaraes – 9
A far cry from his anonymous display at the weekend. Bruno Guimaraes was so much more involved here with his influence stretching to both ends of the pitch. He helped protect the defence while still pushing forward.
There was some great progressive passing on show, too, including to set up the opener and play in Isak again for him to tee up Gordon. Dug in deep at the end as Newcastle held on.
Joelinton – 6
Looked much more comfortable in the middle of the park rather than on the wing, where his physicality and energy can really be utilised. However, gave the ball away with a needlessly ambitious pass and then also lost Salah, leading to the second goal.
Jacob Murphy – 8
First league start since October 19 and showed what Newcastle have been missing. Brought a new dynamic to the right flank with his direct and dangerous running, twice going really close with shots dragged a whisker past the far post.
Worked hard in the other direction, too, to nullify Liverpool’s threat on the flanks in the opening 45.
What a sensational performance. It took Alexander Isak all of 16 minutes to get more joy from Virgil van Dijk than Erling Haaland managed in 90 on Sunday.
The Swede not only scored a fantastic goal but he was simply brilliant on the ball. Isak constantly dropped deep to pick up possession and then played delightful through balls to advancing teammates to get Newcastle in behind time and again.
His wonderful passing created several great chances – with Gordon finally taking one – and was a threat to every defender. He Was a bit quieter in the second half as Liverpool grew into the game but you can’t ask for more from your striker.
Anthony Gordon – 8.5
Had to do better when he went clear through on goal but made up for that with an expertly taken finish to put Newcastle back ahead. Anthony Gordon was lively throughout, taking advantage of Jarrel Quansah’s unfamiliarity with the right-back position, with plenty of pace and vigour.
Substitutes
Harvey Barnes – 5
Came on with plenty of time to go in the second half but didn’t really have much impact. Appears to struggle on the right.
Sean Longstaff – 6
Brought on late and didn’t really get a touch but battled well.
Joe Willock – 6
The same as Longstaff.
Callum Wilson – 7
Held the ball up and won fouls in the closing moments, just what was needed.
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