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Two stunning goals from Yohan Cabaye and Luis Suarez adorned a 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Newcastle at Anfield. Here are Sportskeeda’s assessments on how each player fared.
LIVERPOOL:
Brad Jones-6Jones had pretty much nothing to do all day other than to pick Cabaye’s stunner out of the net. It was a rather quiet day for Liverpool’s no.2 stopper, and he would have been much relieved after being tested to the hilt last week against Everton.
Andre Wisdom-6Yet again, someone whom Newcastle just did not test enough. It was a stroll for the youngster in terms of his defensive duties, although he would have liked to provide more of an attacking threat.
Martin Skrtel-8Another commanding performance from the Slovak who is fast becoming the Reds’ most important player. Managed to shut out both Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse and also, put in a fine tackle when it seemed that Sammy Ameobi was through on goal.
Daniel Agger-7When you have someone like Skrtel partnering you, that is bound to have a positive effect on you, and that is exactly what happened with the Dane. Won most of the aerial duels and also, looked to provide Liverpool with a thrust going forward
Jose Enrique-7Provided the goal for Suarez with a peach of a long pass, but was found wanting in defense by the trickery of Hatem Ben Arfa. But, he showed a lot of passion and unlike his usual self, he did slide into a takle or two much to the adulation of The Kop.
Joe Allen-6He was nowhere near his best, misplacing many passes, but he did do his best to nullify the threat of Cabaye to a large extent, and grew into the game as it wore on.
Steven Gerrard-7It was a typical Gerrard performane and what we have come to expect over the past 599 games. Captain Fantastic was again in his element, looking to spray the ball all over the park and doing some neat defensive work as well.
Nuri Sahin-6Much of Nuri Sahin’s short stay at Anfield so far has been about unfulfilled promise and it was no different against the Magpies. Maybe, Rodgers is playing him out of position-He was a deep lying playmaker during his best season to date for Dortmund-Maybe, if Gerrard and Sahin swap positions, Liverpool might see the best in them both
Jesus Fernandez Saez-7Suso did provide the spark Liverpool seemed to lack in the first half but seemed to tire as the game wore on. He has every reason to be satisfied with another good performance in only his 5th Premier League outing.
Raheem Sterling-8Constant threat to the Newcastle defense with his scintillating pace and trickery. Sterling had the chance to win it for the Reds, but took too much time before seeing his shot blocked.
Luis Suarez-10What would Brendan Rodgers do if not for this man? It was another sensational performance from the Liverpool number 7, and the Kop’s newest darling gave Fabricio Coloccini a torrid evening. Not to mention, that expertly taken goal as well. All in all, SPECIAL!
Jonjo Shelvey-6One thing evident from Shelvey’s performance yesterday was his hunger to get into goalscoring positions, but he always dissappointed with his finishing. Could’ve had 2 or 3 goals in the 25 minutes that he was on.
Stewart Downing-5Got 15 minutes of playing time and apart from one cross that Shelvey headed, did absolutely nothing of note.
NEWCASTLE:
Fabrizio Coloccini of Newcastle United is shown a red card by Referee Anthony Taylor during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United
Tim Krul-7Definitely, the busier of the two goalkeepers, he made a couple of smart saves to deny Suarez. Was pretty confident while defending set-pieces as well.
Vurnon Anita-6James Perch’s injury was a blessing in disguise for Anita, as he was moved from Right Back to the midfield after that. Till he was at Right Back, he was being torn apart by Sterling’s pace and trickery. Looked more comfortable albeit unspectacular in midfield.
Steven Taylor-8It was an immense performance from Taylor to say the very least. With Coloccini having a nightmare, only a couple of heroic defensive blocks from Taylor could deny the Reds the three points that they deserved.
Fabricio Coloccini-3Miserable game for the Magpies skipper. Was given a running around by Suarez, and his misery was compounded when he was deservedly sent off for a studs up stamp on the Liverpool frontman.
Davide Santon-7Was assured at the back, not getting caught out even once. But the threat of Suso and later, Sterling ensured he could not venture forward too much.
James Perch-5He was taken off in the 25th minute with an injury. But when he was on, he made a right nuisance of himself, with Gerrard and Allen forced to misplace a pass or two.
Yohan Cabaye-8The only player in the Magpies side that was capable of keeping possession. Scored a peach of a goal, when he controlled Ben Arfa’s cross, and volleyed magnificently past a helpless Brad Jones.
Jonas Gutierrez-7Gutierrez ended up operating as something of a hatchet man in the middle of the pitch for Newcastle in the face of constant Liverpool pressure but he managed to do his job relatively well.
Hatem Ben Arfa-7Set up Cabaye’s goal with a wonderful bit of skill to get past Enrique, but apart from that, he was well defended by the Liverpool rearguard. There was no lack of effort from the Frenchman though.
Papiss Cisse-6Another disappointing evening for the Senegalese striker, and that was largely thanks to a wonderful display at the back from Agger and Skrtel.
Demba Ba-5The man who was supposed to be Newcastle’s target man was often in their own half looking to get the ball and make things happen. Went off early with an injury. Maybe he was rushed back a bit too soon by Pardew.
Danny Simpson-5It was a poor performance from Simpson, who often gave away needless freekicks to put his side under pressure. Struggled against Raheem Sterling.
Sammy Ameobi-6It was a lively performance from the younger Ameobi, who ran at Wisdom and Skrtel but without enjoying much luck on most occasions. Seemed to be Newcastle’s biggest threat in the second half.
Shane Ferguson-5Largely anonymous.
