A little less casualness after the restart and Liverpool would be playing for the points record today. And the wins record. And largest margin between 1st and 2nd record.
But with four trophies in 13 months, all good.
Jurgen Klopp‘s line-up suggests he doesn’t care much about this match. And Liverpool giving up a “caught napping” set piece goal in minute number 1 further underscores that.
However…Liverpool woke up and blew Newcastle off the field 3-1.
Here are Liverpool vs Newcastle player ratings for July 26 2020.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Manager
Jurgen Klopp (7) –
An odd line-up, honestly. If you don’t care to win it, why not give all of the youngsters a start? Or someone you’re hoping to showcase like Shaqiri?
Does make a smart tactical shift on an injury break, moving Big Div out left. He also made the right subs at the right times.
Goalkeeper
Alisson (6) –
Nothing he could do about the opener. His defenders failed him again. Otherwise, not much to do.
Defenders
Neco Williams (6) –
Very confident on ball but sometimes caught out of space defensively. It’s basically like the early TAA months until he figured out how to properly recover. Watch out for Neco next season. A ton of promise. Subbed off late for TAA.
Virgil van Dijk (7) –
Defending not up to snuff again. But makes up for it with a well-placed header to equalize the score. Wakes up defensively in the second half. It was almost like he needed that goal to get going again.
Joe Gomez (6) –
Caught sleeping on the quick set piece leading to Newcastle’s opener. Better in the second half.
Andy Robertson (7.5) –
Looks the best of the backline in the first half. Superb free-kick almost finds VVD for an equalizer. Gets the assist on Big Div’s goal. Worked hard all match like he was trying to keep Liverpool from the drop.
Midfielders
The Looks Great in Training Naby KeitaTM (7) –
Can he build on his best performance of the season? Playing on the left side with Robbo, he should be able to find some patches of space. Definitely looks confident. So strong on ball. Doesn’t trust his run on a Bobby feed or would’ve had a goal. Still, signs of life. Comes off late for Jones.
Gini Wijnaldum (7.5) –
Strong showing. Completed dribbles. Saw a ton of the ball and completed 93% of his passes. Does well in a center mid role.
James Milner (7) –
Worked his ass off. Did you expect something else? Completed 96% of his passes. Good showing.
Forwards
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (6.5) –
Sharp and confident dribble into the box creates space to find VVD’s big noggin on the equalizer. The assist brought him more confidence and in the 42nd minute he finds some space and rips one from outside the box just high.
Subbed off in the 64th.
Takumi Minamino (5) –
One guy we were hoping would start. Been looking better of late and a good showing here will carry some confidence into the summer.
This match doesn’t achieve that for him though. Quiet display. Subbed off in the 64th.
Divock Origi (7) –
Really hasn’t been very good since his brace against Everton last year.
Quiet and frustrating day. Until…he come up with a brilliant moment on a curler to put Liverpool up 2-1.
Divock Origi!
— #MyPLSummer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 26, 2020
The Champions are up 2-1 🏆#NEWLIV | #MyPLSummer pic.twitter.com/v5tZ7YtAMt
Subbed off in the 64th.
Substitutions
Mo Salah (7) – Comes on and immediately smashed one off the post. So unlucky to not have 2-3 more goals the past few matches. Tries to selflessly connect with Keita later. Just a wrecking ball the second he stepped on the field.
Sadio Mane (7) – Gorgeous curler of a goal.
Roberto Firmino (7) – Feeds Salah a great ball that Newcastle defended extremely well. Feeds Keita who should’ve continued his run. Could’ve had 2 assists. Best he’s looked since restart.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (NR) – On too late to make an impact.
Curtis Jones (NR) – On too late to make a difference.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Pretty balanced team performance. Giving it to Andy Robertson for being one of the only Liverpool players who went 100% every minute after the restart.
