The Reds Retrospective

What a performance. Following an opening half hour where Liverpool seemed thoroughly under the pump, conceding 7 corners to a Newcastle team that seemed to be asserting control over the game, and Anthony Gordon’s 37th minute strike that put Newcastle up 1-0, the Reds scored 4 unanswered to win 4-1. A burst of individual talent from the likes of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike that led to Ekitike’s quick brace that put Liverpool up 2-1 at the half was complimented by an all around team performance in the second half. I’ll be going through player by player highlighting where it went right for Liverpool, ending with my man of the match.

Referee, Simon Hooper – 4
I have never rated Simon Hooper highly, and once again I found myself questioning him way too often throughout this match. Seemed to lose control at the end of the match, not sure how that was not a second yellow for Dan Burn when he took out Cody Gakpo following a rush of blood to the head.

Alisson – 7
A good performance from Alisson, at a time where recent performances have been uncharacteristically shaky. Distribution looked good, saves were parried into safe areas. Beaten by a solid strike from Anthony Gordon. Hopefully he continues playing back into form, as we all know that in form he is the best in the world at what he does.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7
Arne asks, Dom does. Brilliant midfielder, my Liverpool player of the season thus far, and a Swiss Army knife when we need him to be. Covering at right back due to injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. Didn’t put a foot wrong. Played good balls off the set piece and in open play. In Liverpool’s down spell to start the game, the midfield certainly lacked his influence.

Ibrahima Konaté – 8.5
Well in Ibou. Great in defense, clean performance alongside Virgil Van Dijk at what is certainly a difficult time for himself and his family. Loved hearing Anfield applaud his breakups today, and it was a common occurrence. Bouuuuuu. A goal that was written in the stars as well.

Virgil Van Dijk – 7
After a shaky and admittedly “open” first 30 he and the rest of the back four settled in. A good performance from the captain.

Milos Kerkez – 8
After a somewhat inconsistent start to his Liverpool career, a characteristic he does not hold on his own when it comes to our summer signings, Kerkez has well and truly settled in. The energy and passion that he plays with is now complimented by lockdown defense on the flanks and plenty on offer going forwards on his day. We did not hear much from Anthony Elanga tonight. A brilliant pass to Ekitike for his second goal of the night. Great performance.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8.5
When you look at the stats sheet, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike got us back into this game, which they certainly did. However, when you look beyond, Ryan Gravenberch truly flipped a switch in this match. Gravenberch bossed the midfield, picking out incisive balls to the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Mo Salah to create chances and put Newcastle on the back foot. He carried the ball forwards with confidence, and won the ball in the midfield routinely. Outstanding. Tempted to have gone higher with my rating.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Alexis Mac Allister, like he has been for much of this season is a difficult player for me to gauge today. Grew into the game alongside the team for sure, but still played like a passenger in the midfield a bit too often, especially when we were on the back foot. Gets a 6 as he was a part of a resilient 4-1 win. Not the player he has been for most of his time here this season.

Mohamed Salah – 6.5
Again, a difficult rating to give. Too often when Mo was given the ball in space, the next touch was off Lewis Hall’s shin. Mo is still struggling for the form that we have come to expect. Assisted Florian Wirtz who finished beautifully. Subbed off for Curtis Jones in the 84th minute.

Florian Wirtz – 8.5
Florian Wirtz is a magician and the kind of player that Liverpool will be building around for the next decade. Wirtz keeps getting better and finding more and more space and opportunity to showcase his brilliance as he acclimates to the Premier League and this Liverpool team. Dazzling assist to Hugo Ekitike, Outstanding finish on his own goal, curved low and into the corner. Replaced by Wataru Endo in the 87th minute.

Cody Gakpo – 6.5
Had some good work and dribbles on the ball, but didn’t create much with them. At the same time, not much to criticize either on the day.

Hugo Ekitike – 8.5
The proper talisman playing through the center of attack that Liverpool have been searching for since the departure of Roberto Firmino. Gave Newcastle all sorts of problems. A great one timed finish on his first, as well as a classy slot into the corner on his second. Should have had his hat trick – honestly could have scored 4. Replaced by Federico Chiesa in the 84th minute.

Federico Chiesa (’84), Curtis Jones (’84) Wataru Endo (’87) – N/R
Subbed too late to receive a rating.

Manager, Arne Slot – 7
A good day in the office is a good day in the office. As pressure has been mounting on him – for good reason I might add – Arne Slot delivered today as did the team. Made the adjustments we needed to make and scored 4 unanswered. Fair enough. I will ask however, why we waited so long to make substitutions, as we are a squad who can seldom afford more injuries to key players.

Man of the Match: Ryan Gravenberch
A rare day this season where this award really could have gone to 5 of the starting 11 for me but I am going to give Ryan Gravenberch his plaudits. Turned the tide in the middle of the park which allowed our attackers to do their job. Helped us control this game and that led to a scoreline that reflected our dominance in the last 40. Honorable mentions to Konate, Wirtz, and Ekitike, as well as Milos Kerkez.