Liverpool player ratings as Darwin Nunez just perfect but four others excellent

Ian Doyle rates the Liverpool players after Sunday’s clash with Newcastle United

Darwin Nunez celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal to equalise during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on August 27, 2023

Alisson Becker 8

Unbelievable save to deny Almiron and no chance with opener. Eased pressure on defence whenever he could and safely handled a number of shots second half.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 6

Booked in contentious circumstances early on and close to a red seconds later. Terrible mistake allowed Gordon to score the first but, to his credit, kept going second half and improved.

Joel Matip 6

Hounded by Gordon whenever in possession but steadied himself after that. No real errors. Subbed.

Virgil van Dijk 4

Absolutely livid with the red card shown after a challenge with Isak. The decision wasn’t even referred to the monitor.

Andy Robertson 8

Got through heavy defensive workload even before red card, and the longer the game progressed the more he became a threat going forward. Very good.

Wataru Endo 5

Bypassed during a hectic opening quarter but a few good touches saw him grow in confidence. Second half more difficult. Subbed.

Dominik Szoboszlai 8

Put in a real shift and once again stepped up with Liverpool reduced to 10 men. Led by example and intelligent in possession.

Alexis Mac Allister 6

Could have used the ball a lot better when Liverpool needed to retain possession first half. Improved in that respect after break. Subbed.

Mohamed Salah 7

Had one shot safely guarded and a couple of runs at Burn first half, but struggled for period when through the middle before shot blocked by Botman and part in both Nunez goals.

Cody Gakpo 6

Did well to hold up the ball when required, the need for which was increased after the red card. Moved to the left flank and took a few bangs. Subbed.

Luis Diaz 6

One good run into the area forced a save from Pope, but sacrificed when Van Dijk was dismissed.

Joe Gomez (for Diaz 33) 7

A very composed showing having been thrown on into hectic circumstances.

Harvey Elliott (for Endo 58) 6

Not able to influence the game as much as in recent cameos.

Diogo Jota (for Gakpo 58) 8

Instantly made a difference with his direct running and attacking threat. Created chance for Salah and equaliser for Nunez.

Jarell Quansah (for Matip 77) 6

What a moment for the youngster. Although not exactly the easiest game in which to make your senior debut.

Darwin Nunez (for Mac Allister 77) 10

Tremendous finish for his two goals. What an introduction from the bench.