After 2 successive league defeats, the Reds followed up the 1-0 victory over Blackburn in the FA Cup with another clean sheet and win back at Anfield. Other than a few dodgy moments, it was a comprehensive performance, well worth of the 3 points, putting us 4 points of Man City with 6 games remaining to keep our faint hopes of top 4 alive for now. Here’s how our players performed.
Simon Mignolet – 8/10
Another clean sheet for Mignolet who incredibly is just 1 clean sheet behind Fraser Forster in the race for the Golden Glove, which is amazing considering the Belgian’s troubles in the first half of the season. He made an outstanding save to deny Ayoze Perez’ headed effort at in the first half- a crucial intervention in the context of the match.
Glen Johnson – 5/10
Back in the side, Johnson looked sloppy and unconvincing as he often does these days. His passing was inaccurate and his defensive positioning very much suspect at times, allowing Perez the chance from which he nearly equalised. Unconvincing to say the least.
Emre Can – 7/10
Playing alongside Lovren in a back 4 for the first time, Can looked well assured in defence, cutting out danger and driving up field with power and purpose. Much more confident than his centre back partner, despite the German’s relative inexperience in this position.
Dejan Lovren – 5/10
It was a very mixed performance from the big Croatian. His passing in the first half was excellent on occasion, creating several chances with some accurate long range balls. However, he was extremely fortunate to get away with a rash and reckless challenge on Perez which should have resulted in a Newcastle penalty. In the second half he made some vital interceptions, but horribly misplaced a simple header straight to the opposition on the edge of his own box.
Alberto Moreno – 7/10
The Spaniard has come in for plenty of criticism recently following poor performances against Man United and Arsenal when his defensive positioning led to the opposition breaking through and scoring. However, operating in a more traditional left back role, he was steady and assured here, bombing forward at will. His passing was neat and tidy and he had a powerful strike well saved by Tim Krul.
Lucas Leiva – 8/10
A terrific individual performance from the Brazilian who helped Liverpool to dominate the midfield battle with astute positioning, robust tackling and intelligent interceptions to break up play. He also came close to a rare goal as his close range header was well saved by Krul.
Joe Allen – 8/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Allen remains a player who divides opinion among Liverpool fans but he showed how effective a player he can be throughout this match. Like Lucas, his reading of the game was spot on, keeping things simple and moving the ball forward with pace to the attacking players. He notched the all important second goal with a powerful snap shot into the top corner from close range to secure the win.
Jordan Henderson – 8/10
Henderson has been in imperious form since the turn of the year, regularly scoring and creating goals. He added his 13th assist of the season here with a superb, raking 30 yard pass to Sterling for the opener, whilst his all round leadership, energy and set piece delivery were excellent.
Raheem Sterling – 7/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Sterling came up with the perfect response to the ongoing controversy over his contract and off field behaviour, controlling Henderson’s pass wonderfully before jinking inside, evading two challenges before curling the ball into the far corner for his 11th goal of the season. He then proceeded to pass up two golden opportunities, inexplicably missing both from close range, and he could easily have had a hat trick.
Jordon Ibe – 6/10
Returning from a 6 week injury absence, Ibe was a welcome sight in the starting XI, offering pace, direct running and fearless dribbling down the right wing. He drew numerous fouls to win free kicks in dangerous areas before being replaced by Borini on 58 minutes.
Philippe Coutinho – 9/10
Operating in an unconventional false nine role, Coutinho wreaked havoc all game long. Newcastle simply could not live with his dazzling skill, close dribbling and pin point through balls. He’s a man playing with supreme confidence at the moment, and is surely one of the most gifted players in the league. Without scoring or assisting, you’ll rarely see a better individual performance.
Substitutes
Fabio Borini – 5/10
Replacing Ibe for the final 30 minutes, Borini worked hard and was industrious up top, putting in a decent shift but lacking the finesse or cutting edge to really hurt Newcastle’s backline.
Ricky Lambert – N/A
Only played the final few minutes and hardly touched the ball.
Red Regista
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