Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle United Player Ratings: Wirtz MOTM, Hugo Ekitike Strikes Brace as Reds Run Riot at Anfield

Liverpool produced a powerful attacking performance to seal a 4-1 win over Newcastle United in a Premier League match. As the Reds enjoyed a dominant run at Anfield, let's check out Liverpool vs Newcastle player ratings from the EPL clash.

The game began with an early surprise for the home side. Newcastle took the lead when Anthony Gordon finished a quick counter-attack, silencing the crowd and giving the visitors early hope. However, Liverpool responded emphatically.

Hugo Ekitiké led the comeback with an outstanding display. The forward scored twice in quick succession before halftime, completely shifting the momentum in Liverpool’s favour and sending the hosts into the break with control of the match.

After the restart, Liverpool continued to dominate proceedings. Florian Wirtz extended the lead with a well-taken goal, before Ibrahima Konaté added a fourth to put the result beyond doubt. It was a commanding performance from Arne Slot's men, who somewhat humiliated Newcastle with pace and intensity.

Key Takeaways

1. Anthony Gordon gave Newcastle an early lead with a quick counter-attack goal.
2. Hugo Ekitiké scored a first-half brace to turn the game in Liverpool’s favour.
3. Second-half goals from Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konaté sealed a 4-1 win for Liverpool.

Liverpool Player Ratings vs Newcastle United

Here are Liverpool player ratings from the Premier League fixture:

Goalkeeper

Alisson - 6.5: Had little to do for large parts of the game. He couldn't do much about Gordon's well-taken goal. Made one crucial save from inside the box and showed confidence with a good high claim. His distribution was solid enough, but this was a relatively quiet evening for the Brazilian number one.

Defenders

Virgil van Dijk - 7.0: A commanding presence as always. The captain was aerially dominant, winning all five of his aerial duels and making a staggering 13 clearances. He was caught out once on the counter for the goal but recovered his composure to lead the backline effectively. A solid, if not spectacular, outing.

Ibrahima Konaté - 8.5: What a performance from the Frenchman. He was an absolute colossus at the back, making 10 clearances and winning most of his duels. To top it off, he sealed the victory with a well-taken goal from a corner. From our perspective, he was powerful, composed, and a real asset at both ends.

Milos Kerkez - 7.5: A fantastic display from the full-back. He provided a brilliant assist for Ekitiké’s second goal with a big chance created. He was a constant outlet on the left flank and defensively sound. His energy was infectious throughout the ninety minutes.

Dominik Szoboszlai - 8.0: A masterclass in midfield control. His passing was sublime, with a 92% accuracy, and he created three key chances for his teammates. He dictated the tempo of the game, sprayed passes around for fun, and his set-piece delivery was a constant threat. An all-action performance.

Midfielders

Alexis Mac Allister - 6.4: A typically combative performance from the World Cup winner. He worked tirelessly, won his tackles, and kept the ball moving. He did pick up a yellow card for a cynical foul, showing his willingness to do the dirty work. A steady performance in the middle of the park.

Mohamed Salah - 7.5: Even when he doesn't score, he's a huge threat. He provided a crucial assist for Wirtz's goal and created three chances, including one big chance. He looked frustrated to have missed a big chance himself, but his impact was undeniable before he was substituted.

Cody Gakpo - 7.5: A real handful all evening. His dribbling was a constant source of trouble for the Newcastle defence, completing five successful dribbles. He didn't get on the scoresheet, but his link-up play, movement, and recovery of seven balls were vital to Liverpool's attacking fluidity.

Ryan Gravenberch - 7.0: A very neat and tidy performance. He was composed on the ball, with an 89% pass accuracy, and showed his defensive capabilities with three tackles won. He played a key role in recycling possession and launching attacks. A mature display from the young midfielder.

Forwards

Hugo Ekitiké - 9.0: Absolutely clinical. After Liverpool went down, he put the team on his back with two superb finishes to completely change the game's momentum. He was a constant threat with his movement and should have had a hat-trick. A phenomenal display of goalscoring.

Florian Wirtz - 9.5: The highest-rated player on the pitch, and for good reason. This was a sensational performance. He scored a goal, provided an assist, and created two big chances. He was the creative hub of the team, and everything good seemed to flow through him. A truly world-class display that was a joy to watch.

Substitutes

Federico Chiesa - N/A: Came on late for Salah but had little time to make an impact.
Curtis Jones - N/A: Replaced the brilliant Ekitiké to help see out the game.
Wataru Endo - N/A: A late sub for Wirtz to shore up the midfield.

Manager

A. Slot - 8.5: His tactical setup was spot on. After the initial shock of going behind, his team responded with character and quality. The attacking system he deployed completely overwhelmed Newcastle, and his game management was excellent. A great day at the office for the gaffer.

Newcastle Player Ratings vs Liverpool

Let's take a look at Newcastle player ratings from the EPL match against Liverpool:

Goalkeeper

Nick Pope - 4.5: A very tough evening for the keeper. He was left exposed by his defence but made a critical error that led to a goal. Conceding four goals is never good, and despite making three saves, this will be a game he wants to forget quickly. He looked shaky.

Defenders

Kieran Trippier - 5.5: As captain, he tried to lead, creating three chances going forward. However, defensively he was given a torrid time by Liverpool's relentless attackers. He lost a number of his duels and seemed a step off the pace for much of the game before being subbed.

Lewis Hall - 5.0: He had his work cut out for him against Salah and the overlapping runners. He made a few interceptions and tackles but ultimately struggled to contain the red tide. Lost possession far too often in dangerous areas, which put his team under pressure.

Malick Thiaw - 4.5: A nightmare at Anfield. An error leading to a goal is a defender's worst fear, and it came true for him. He struggled with the movement of Ekitiké and looked out of his depth against Liverpool's fluid attack. A very difficult learning experience.

Dan Burn - 5.0: Fought hard and made an impressive ten clearances, but that number tells the story of the game. He was constantly under pressure, picked up a yellow card, and was part of a backline that was completely breached. A valiant but ultimately futile effort.

Midfielders

Sandro Tonali - 5.5: The game largely passed him by. He tried to get on the ball and dictate play but was hounded and pressed out of it by Liverpool's energetic midfield. A frustrating and ineffective performance from the talented Italian.

Joe Willock - 6.0: One of the few bright spots for Newcastle in the first half. He showed good energy, drew several fouls, and tried to drive his team forward. However, his influence waned significantly as Liverpool took control of the match.

Jacob Ramsey - 5.0: A very quiet and anonymous performance. He was unable to get into the game or make any meaningful impact. He ended up with a yellow card for his troubles, which summed up a frustrating day for the midfielder.

Forwards

Anthony Gordon - 7.0: Newcastle's clear man of the match. He took his goal brilliantly and was a livewire on the counter-attack, causing Liverpool's defence problems with his pace and directness. He was a lone bright spark in a dark, dark evening for the Magpies.

Harvey Barnes - 5.5: He was desperately unlucky to see his long-range effort crash off the woodwork. A goal there could have changed the complexion of the game. Besides that moment, he was largely anonymous and struggled to get involved before being substituted.

Anthony Elanga - 5.5: Ran his socks off but with very little end product. His work rate can't be faulted, but he offered little threat in the final third. A tough assignment against a top-quality defence and he came up short.

Substitutes

Yoane Wissa - N/A: Came on but couldn't influence the game.
Nick Woltemade - N/A: Had little time to make a mark.
Jacob Murphy - N/A: Brought on for the final stretch.
William Osula - N/A: A late cameo appearance.
Alex Murphy - N/A: Thrown on at the end.

Manager

E. Howe - 5.0: His team started with a perfect game plan, scoring early. However, they had no answer once Liverpool stepped on the gas. His defensive setup was exposed time and time again, and the team looked completely outmatched tactically. A difficult day for the manager who has a lot to ponder.

Man of the Match

Liverpool star Florian Wirtz was adjudged the player of the match.

Worst Performer

Nick Pope had a nightmarish outing for Newcastle United.