Newcastle 2–3 Liverpool: Player Ratings as Ngumoha Strikes Late | OneFootball

Newcastle United 2 – 3 Liverpool – Premier League Player Ratings

The Premier League started with the reigning and defending champions facing off against and defeating an impressive Bournemouth side, 4-2, before undertaking their first away trip. Alexander Isak has caused a lot of animosity between these two adversaries of the Premier League era, as he sat out and watched this game unfold under the famous St James Park lights.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 7.0

The giant Brazilian stopper was alert early on as danger grew from the flanks.

After the restart, the Reds keeper was unable to stop the Newcastle goal as a powerful header landed inside the post. The equaliser was a tough one on the keeper and he probably should have done better.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0

The Hungarian captain was tasked with right back duties with all three starting options unable to start. Early signs of inexperience in that role grew as Gordon drew a foul on the edge of the penalty area. A superb block inside the six-yard box was needed to stop Gordon from opening the scoring.

As the game resumed, the former RB Leipzig star was

Milos Kerkez – 6.0

The Hungarian international was tested time and time again by the pace and purpose of Elanga, as the young left back struggled to contain oncoming attacks.

A Bournemouth man was JMS me to stop the Newcastle goal as he was overpowered at the back post.

Ibrahima Konaté  – 7.0

The France international defender started the game as the front-footed defender and was tested time and time again against a side determined to harass.

In the second period, the former RB Leipzig man was tested time and time again as he fought to repel a boisterous home side. The towering centre back should have been stronger for the equaliser.

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0

The captain and leader of this team was strong and commanding against a side driven by desire. A red card for Gordon came after a foul on the skipper.

After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was tested to the extreme as a desire from the hosts was evident.

Curtis Jones – 6.0

The England international was given the first opportunity to take a first-team spot as he lined up in central midfield. A frustrating first period was confounded by a miss late in the opening 45 minutes.

In the second half, the versatile academy graduate was more considered in possession and took up solid screening duties as Newcastle roared forward.

Subbed – 90+6 mins

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0

The Dutch midfielder was unlucky to receive an early booking after Newcastle had gotten away with some immediate roughness. The returning midfielder was bullied and harried in a difficult comeback half. Luckily, a well-placed shot was the main takeaway as it gave his side a surprise lead.

After the half-time break, the former Ajax prodigy was a little more advanced and looked to take the ball on the half-turn and find a quick pass. Should have been stronger for the equaliser.

Florian Wirtz – 5.0

The German international was a growing influence and had a smart shot from the angle easily saved early on.

After the break, the £116m summer signing was more reserved as the pace of the game restricted his ability to create.

Subbed – 80 mins

Cody Gakpo – 7.0

The Dutch attacker was a relatively unknown quantity in the first forty minutes as much of the game was played in the Reds’ half. An assist for the opening goal alleviated a poor showing and a good run on the counter saw the initial period end well for the former PSV attacker.

In the second half, the goal-scoring wide man was again the provider as he assisted Hugo Ekitike for the second goal.

Subbed – 90+6 mins

Hugo Ekitike – 7.0

The France attacker was unable to bring a back-to-goal outlet to the fore as he struggled with the strong-arm tactics against him.

In the second period, the former Bundesliga forward was quickly on the scoresheet with a clinical strike from just inside the opposition box.

Subbed – 80 mins

Mohamed Salah – 6.0

The Egyptian King was a largely unsuccessful entity in the first half as his team struggled to get out of their own half.

In the second 45 minutes, the record-breaking attacker was unable to create opportunities as the frenetic pace saw the game flow from end to end. A great assist in the 99th minute saved his blushes.

Substitutions;

Conor Bradley – 4.0 (on 80)

Came on to add more resilience, yet gave away the foul which led to the equaliser.

Federico Chiesa – 5.0 (on 80)

Came on and added an attacking threat.

Rio Ngumoa – 8.0 (on 90+6)

Came on to score the winner.

Harvey Elliott – N/A (on 90+6)

Came on.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 7.0

The Dutch head coach was forced to adjust his right back selection and went with the pace and power of Szobozlai to ensure coverage in transition.

The initial substitutions were ineffective and perhaps had a detrimental effect, until the match winner entered the fray.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Newcastle 1 – 2 Liverpool