Liverpool’s momentarily moved up to second place in the Premier League with a 2-0 home victory against Newcastle on Saturday night.
Newcastle didn’t make it easy for Jurgen Klopp’s men, who had to wait until the 40th minute to take the lead.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who impressed once again, played through Mohamed Salah, who tucked away his 32nd goal of the season.
The Reds doubled their lead in the second half through Sadio Mane and moved seven points clear of Chelsea in fifth with the win.
Here is how we rated the players.
Loris Karius – 8
Made a world class save on the stroke of half-time to keep the score at 1-0. Commanded his box well and was quick to start attacks. Possibly his best game for Liverpool.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
Had a few hiccups in attack but he was outstanding defensively. His pace helped him out on the cover a few times and he read the play extremely well.
Dejan Lovren – 7
Didn’t have a lot to do but he was neat and tidy.
Virgil van Dijk – 9
I tell you what, we paid £75 million for this guy and we might have ripped Southampton off. He’s an absolute colossus. Won everything in the air, didn’t put a foot wrong and he passes it like Xabi Alonso. Unbelievable yet again.
Andy Robertson – 7
Got done for pace once, which was a rarity, but was solid defensively. Got forward with his usual ferocity but nothing quite came off for him in the final third.
Jordan Henderson – 8
Very good at winning the ball back and looking to get Liverpool on the front foot. Not everything he tried came off but he kept probing away.
Emre Can – 7
Solid as ever without that ball, with it, he kept things pretty simple.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain- 8
Defended well, like his teammates, but had a bit of extra impetus in attack. His driving run and pass set up the first goal. He looks at home as a central midfield player.
Mohamed Salah – 7
His touch and decision making actually looked a bit off in this game but such is his quality, he had plenty of chances to score as per usual, he put one away. He scores every game.
Sadio Mane – 7
Took his goal extremely well and looked a threat all night. His touch let him down at times but he’s extremely hard working and got his reward.
Roberto Firmino – 8
He’s some player this fella. His hard work got Liverpool the ball back to break and score, and his flicked pass to Mane was exquisite.
