Liverpool’s outstanding recent form was nowhere to be seen as they fell to a surprising 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park to remain outside of the Premier League’s top six.
Below, our friends at Empire of the Kop rate how Jurgen Klopp’s side performed on Tyneside…
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Newcastle 2-0 Liverpool – match report and video highlights, as Reds struggle at St. James’s
GK) Simon Mignolet – 6/10
Can’t be blamed for either goal. All Mignolet had to do today was pick the ball out the back of the net. Twice.
DR) Nathaniel Clyne – 5.5/10
Industrious, but lacked any quality going forward today. Didn’t link up well with Ibe.
DL) Alberto Moreno – 6/10
Had a brilliant goal ruled out for offside, wrongly. The Spaniard beat Newcastle’s trap and volleyed past Rob Elliot, but for some reason, the assistant raised his flag. Elsewhere Moreno toiled, but to little effect.
SEE MORE: Alberto Moreno disallowed goal video: Spaniard robbed of sublime volley
DC) Martin Skrtel – 5/10
Deflected Wijnaldum’s shot past Mignolet, and Liverpool’s attackers couldn’t get Skrtel out of jail this time. He’s now scored seven Premier League own goals.
DC) Dejan Lovren – 6/10
A mostly solid performance at the heart of defence, but Lovren was turned too easily for Newcastle’s opener. He’s visibly growing in confidence game by game, however.
DMC) Lucas – 5/10
He’s been superb all season, but Lucas had a stinker today. Wasn’t quick enough on the ball and lacked any ideas or ingenuity.
MC) Joe Allen – 6/10
Probably the best of the midfield three, but by no means impressive. Gave away some sloppy balls but worked hard and won some tackles centrally. Expect him to be dropped for the next Premier League game against West Brom.
MC) James Milner – 5/10
Not great, like most of his team-mates. The midfield three of Lucas, Allen and Milner was lacking, and Emre Can’s suspension cost us dearly today. The sooner Jordan Henderson plays every week the better, too.
AMR) Jordon Ibe – 7/10 (Origi – 75′)
Very lively in the first half, Ibe justified his selection with a number of exciting dribbles. He ended up trying too much though in the second, but all in all, it was a promising performance that lacked cutting edge.
AML) Roberto Firmino – 5/10 (Sturridge – 62′)
Lucky to get a 5. His touch was off, he regularly gave the ball away and was worryingly poor. The sooner Coutinho returns the better.
FC) Christian Benteke – 5/10 (Lallana – 62′)
Won his aerial duels but missed a sitter from six yards out in the first-half which would have given us the lead. Lacked quality and sharpness.
SEE MORE: Christian Benteke miss video: Belgian guilty of shocking miss for Liverpool v Newcastle
SUBS:
Divock Origi – 6/10 – No time to change the game.
Daniel Sturridge – 5/10 – Off the pace when he came on. Missed a great chance with his right foot.
Adam Lallana – 7/10 – Should have started. Instantly made a difference.
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