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Opinion

Newcastle 2 Liverpool 3 – Match ratings and comments on all NUFC players

5 years ago
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We asked Jack Lacey-Hatton to give us his match ratings after Newcastle 2 Liverpool 3.

A captivating game that had everything, apart from some points for Newcastle.

Rafa’s team have it everything but how did they do on an individual basis, Jack Lacey-Hatton gives us his NUFC player ratings and comments.

Dubravka – 6

A big save from Mane at 2-1, kept the game alive.

Thought he should have saved Salah’s goal on first look but maybe the proximity and accuracy made it a bridge too far.

Looked slightly caught on the winner, whether to come for the ball or stay on his goal-line, but it would be harsh to level any blame at our Slovakian shot stopper last night.

Dummett – 7

Another big performance from super Paul, always in the right place at the right time.

Looks to have found his position as the left sided centre-back in the back three. He kept Salah relatively quiet save for the goal.

A great end to his best season as a Newcastle United player.

Lascelles – 5

Hugely disappointing positioning on the winning goal, getting caught underneath the ball at a critical point.

He did make a crucial interception at the back post earlier in the game that saved a goal but then let himself down later on.

Also should have at least been closer to Van Dijk on the opening goal. For me he is not in our best three centre backs at present. Hopefully next season can bring a return to form.

Schar – 6

Quality positioning and ball retention when Liverpool were pressing us high up the pitch. His tackling was often timed to perfection.

Was dragged towards the cross on the second Liverpool goal, leaving Salah with too much space, but otherwise another good performance.

Our player of the season?

Manquillo – 6

A solid enough display from our right wing-back and he probably showed more going forward than in previous displays.

Should have tried the attack the ball with his boot rather than his head, in his first half effort that brought a save from Allison.

Ki Sung-yeung – 6

One of his best games in an NUFC shirt for me but he needs to improve his set-piece delivery.

He coped reasonably well with a high energy Liverpool midfield that outnumbered himself and Isaac Hayden in the engine room.

Hayden – 8

I hate repeating myself, but week in, week out at the moment Hayden produces flawless performances. His tackles and interceptions continually disrupted the flow of Liverpool attacks. If he leaves in the summer, a major void will be left.

Ritchie – 7

Given a difficult night against Trent Alexander-Arnold but still produced a good performance.

Had a big hand in the first goal and constantly drove the team forward, with his high energy and pressing.

Never a foul for the free-kick leading to the winner, so no blame attached to the Scottish international.

Atsu – 7

One of his better games in the Premier League for us.

Goal was nicely taken and his pace and trickery gave the Liverpool back four problems. If he produced this sort of performance regularly he would be pushing for starts.

Perez – 8

Continuing his recent good form, in truth his performance deserved a goal.

Nearly a goal of the season contender in the first half when he smashed the Leazes end upright. His ball retention when surrounded by red shirts was, at times, remarkable.

Rondon – 8

Probably our man of the match.

Bullied Lovren and gave Van Dikk one his toughest games of the season.

If Liverpool had lost the league on Barrack Road on Saturday night, our number nine would have been the main reason.

Fully deserved his goal, smashed into the Gallowgate bottom corner. The team simply could not function without this man in the side.

If we don’t make the deal a permanent one in the summer, a major rebuild of the team tactical set-up will be required.

Muto – N/A (Not on long enough to rate.

Stats from BBC Sport:

Newcastle 2 Liverpool 3

Goals:

Newcastle:

Atsu 20, Rondon 54

Liverpool:

van Dijk 13, Salah 28, Origi 86

Possession was Liverpool 69% Newcastle 31%

Total shots were Liverpool 11 Newcastle 14

Shots on target were Liverpool 4 Newcastle 7

Corners were Liverpool 3 Newcastle 2

Referee: Andre Marriner

Newcastle United:

Dubravka, Manquillo, Schar (Muto 90+1, Lascelles, Dummett, Ritchie, Hayden, Ki, Atsu, Perez, Rondon

Unused Subs:

Darlow, Barreca, Diame, Shelvey, Kenedy, Fernandez

Crowd: 52,206 ,587  (3,200+ Liverpool)

(Read NUFC fan/writer reaction to the match HERE)

(Rafa Benitez sends message to Mike Ashley after emotional night/game against Liverpool – Read HERE)

(Jurgen Klopp blown away by the game and atmosphere – Read it HERE)

You can follow the author on Twitter @JackLaceySport

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