Liverpool got their top-four ambitions back on track as goals from Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen helped them defeat Newcastle 2-0 at Anfield and move up to fifth in the Premier League table.
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(Video) Raheem Sterling horror miss v Newcastle: Liverpool winger goes from hero to villain
(Video) Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle: Joe Allen takes advantage of poor defending
It was a solid performance from the Reds who played the last ten minutes against ten men, after a nasty challenge saw Moussa Sissoko given his second yellow.
Here’s how the Liverpool players got on in the win:
Simon Mignolet 7
Made a couple of good saves when needed, but perhaps most importantly, did everything he needed to do with a reliability that he appeared to lack at the start of the season.
Glen Johnson 6
Made a couple of supportive runs in attack, but looked slightly uncomfortable on occasions as the Reds returned to a back four.
Dejan Lovren 5
Looked really shaky at times, and he somehow got away with a wild challenge on Ayoze Perez in the first-half that really should have been a penalty to Newcastle.
Emre Can 7
Once again, Can proved that in Martin Skrtel’s absence, he is the best defender currently at the club. He also got the – slightly fortuitous – assist for the second goal.
Jordan Henderson 8
On the whole, the skipper’s passing was fantastic today. He found Sterling twice with perfectly-weighted passes. The first of which led to the opening goal, and the second was the glorious chance that went begging.
Joe Allen 8
Looked so much more solid than he did at the Emirates, when he was dismantled by Arsenal. He rounded off an excellent display with his first Anfield goal in the Premier League.
Lucas Leiva 7
His passing was excellent again, and he provided an extra line of defence in front of the back four which meant Newcastle really struggled to break them down.
Alberto Moreno 6
Offered some good support in attack but sometimes appeared to go missing when required in defence.
Raheem Sterling 8
Proved his doubters wrong with an excellent goal after eight minutes, and generally worked hard for the team. However, he squandered a seemingly unmissable chance in the second-half with the goal at his mercy.
Jordon Ibe 6
Perhaps more important to get some miles under his belt, but a good run-out for his first game since February.
Philippe Coutinho 8
Wonderfully creative, and is quickly becoming the focal point of this exciting Liverpool side.
Subs
Fabio Borini 5
His rustiness was best highlighted by a shocking touch when practically through on goal, which took him away from goal and allowed to defence to recover.
Rickie Lambert N/A
Brought on late so had no time to make an impact.