Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
Sport
Lee Ryder

Dubravka impressive, Targett solid again: Newcastle 0-1 Liverpool player ratings

Newcastle's unbeaten St James' Park record came to an end at the hands of quadruple-chasing Liverpool. The Magpies started brightly, but it was Liverpool who had the first efforts on goal, Diego Jota going close and Virgil van Dyke firing over from a corner.

The visitors took the lead through Naby Keita midway through the half after a flowing move. United were furious over a challenge by James Milner on Fabian Schar in the build-up, but VAR ruled the former Newcastle man had won the ball.

Allan Saint-Maximin sent one wide as the home side looked to get back into the game, but Liverpool were dangerous at the other end, with Mane shooting at Dubravka when it a good position. Miguel Almiron did well to get free and beat Alisson, but the Paraguay forward was correctly riuled offside.

READ MORE: Bruno Guimaraes on next season's aims and fresh Lucas Paqueta vow

Dubravka then had to be alert to turn a strong header from Diego Jota over the cross bar. James Milner fired wide from the resulting corner.

Newcastle again started the second half brightly, with Joe Willock more invoved. Jamaal Lascelles replaced the injured Fabian Schar, while Mane should have made it 2-0, firing wide after a good move. Jota and sub Mo Salah then were both denied by Dubravka as the visitors looked for a second.

Sub Chris Wood was then put clean through by Saint-Maximin, but the flag went up after Alisson had saved from the Kiwi striker, while the keeper safely gathered Bruno Guimaraes long-range effort.

Here's how Lee Ryder rated the Newcastle players

Martin Dubravka 8

Kept Newcastle in the game with as string of good saves.

Emil Krafth 7

Ran himself into the ground against a strong Liverpool flank.

Fabian Schar 6

A tepid display by his own standards. Taken off with a knock after an hour.

Dan Burn 7

Put his heart into it. Battled hard and made some vital interventions.

Matt Targett 8

A solid display with half a dozen successful tackles. Did well.

Jonjo Shelvey 7

Held his own but was shackled with defensive duties.

Bruno Guimaraes 7

Showed quality on the ball. Couldn't find that killer pass.

Joe Willock 5

Struggled in the first half. Better after the break but not close to the levels we know he's capable of. Just 18 touches against a stellar Liverpool midfield.

Allan Saint-Maximin 6

A testing afternoon for the Toon talisman.

Miguel Almiron 6

Lacked any real threat. One goal chalked off after drifting offside.

Joelinton 7

Another left shackled with defensive duties. Won seven aerial balls.

Subs

Jamaal Lascelles 6

For Schar 59: Battled hard. Made a couple of blocks.

Chris Wood 5

For Willock 66: Newcastle turned to him for impact. But couldn't quite produce it. Big chance when he went one on one with Alisson.

Jacob Murphy (for Krafth 85)

*Subs must play 15 mins to get a mark.

For the latest Newcastle news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.