Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool: Player Ratings as Rio Ngumoha the hero but two superb in dramatic Newcastle win…

Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool: Player Ratings

Liverpool player ratings highlight Rio Ngumoha as the standout performer in a thrilling Newcastle victory.

A chaotic match filled with excitement, where discussions about Alexander Isak were overshadowed by the emergence of a teenage sensation.

Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool

Alisson Becker – 7 (out of 10)

Effectively managed his area and provided crucial interventions against the persistent low crosses from Anthony Elanga with his impressive reach.

Handled most of the long balls competently but was caught off guard for the late equalizer, conceding a disappointing team goal.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8 (Man of the Match)

Tasked by the manager to fulfill the role of a reliable utility player, he began the match appearing reluctant.

Quickly adapted to the game, becoming a valuable asset on the wing, successfully regaining possession during turnovers and looking to swiftly unlock midfield options with his extensive passing ability.

Put in a tremendous effort in an unconventional role, then assisted young Rio Ngumoha for the winning goal – truly world class.

Ibrahima Konate – 4

Needed a strong start after a shaky beginning to the season, but his hopes were dashed.

He struggled to keep up with the pace and had difficulty tracking the runs of Anthony Gordon, who played as a false 9. A night to forget for him, indeed.

Virgil van Dijk – 7

Like his central defensive partner, he began the season below par. However, it’s hard to keep such a formidable athlete down for long, and the buildup to this grudge match was all the motivation he needed to reclaim his leadership role and rediscover his form.

Brought energy and determination but misapplied these attributes at crucial moments. He appeared lost for much of the match, receiving several sharp reminders from the captain.

Outmuscled by Bruno Guimaraes for the headed goal, which he failed to contest, turning away from the ball.

There’s significant improvement needed for this player.

Ryan Gravenberch – 7

Initially seemed out of sync and was often overlooked, until he managed to shake off some early rust.

After that, he navigated the channels effectively and sought to create opportunities when he could, but the physicality of the opposing midfield understandably left him somewhat off his game.

He took his goal well and clearly relished the moment. He will be vital for this lineup moving forward, but he must regain his full pace.

Curtis Jones – 5

Utilizing the Jones option in certain matches can be effective, but this was not one of those instances. The local talent had the best seat in the house, right in the midst of the action… precisely where an observer should not be.

He could, and should, have scored just before half-time. A delicate yet forceful run in the 74th minute, leaving three defenders behind, seemed like a moment of brilliance… only for him to deliver a through-ball to no one. This encapsulated his performance.

Florian Wirtz – 5

He was targeted from the start and earned his place with some early challenges. He brushed them off but took time to find his rhythm, even though his first-time passes were spot on and he created space effectively.

He worked diligently off the ball as the game approached its conclusion, but he didn’t exhibit the threatening presence one would expect from a record signing. It’s still early days, but the German talent struggled in this match.

Mohamed Salah – 5

He was largely ineffective for most of the first half, before suddenly coming to life and delivering a brilliant first-time through-ball to Jones in the 40th minute. The frustration evident on the Egyptian’s face spoke volumes about the missed opportunity that followed.

He found more space in the second half after the red card disrupted the formation significantly, but the fluidity never developed. When Salah is in form, he glides effortlessly.

However, under the bright lights of St James, he was lackluster at best and effectively neutralized by Eddie Howe’s strategy.

Cody Gakpo – 5

Another match goes by with the flying Dutchman only appearing in brief moments, before fading quietly into the background. Not quite sufficient in matches of such high stakes. Consistency is crucial, and tonight it was notably absent.

Replaced by a teenager who completely overshadowed him; not the best optics.

Hugo Ekitike – 8

Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves here. We remain measured and calculated. However… after his explosive performance in the Community Shield, I dubbed him the second coming of Thierry Henry, and he hasn’t stopped scoring since.

On a serious note, Ekitike delivered another solid performance as a striker. It’s still early days, but he’s clearly starting to find his footing in Premier League football.

He’s constantly moving through the final third, up and down, left and right. The Teflon man, nothing sticks to him.

Just like in the opening match, he drew his marker every time – enticing them into the 50/50 before skillfully evading and executing a quick one-two.

The goal was yet another example of the signature style he’s quickly establishing for himself; low, drilled shots that find the bottom corners like heat-seeking missiles. What a player this lad is.

Overall Team Performance – 5

Substitutes

Federico Chiesa (on for Ekitike, 80′) – 5 – He has that determined, focused look in his eyes when presented with opportunities now. Couldn’t make a significant impact.

Conor Bradley (on for Wirtz, 80′) – 6 – Performed his duties adequately after entering the fray amidst the chaos.

Elliott (on for Jones, 90+6′) – A late, late substitution…

Ngumoha (on for Gakpo, 90+6′) – Absurd, simply absurd. To come on in a match like this at just 16 years old… and execute a finish like that.

He read the dummy perfectly and executed that curled shot like a seasoned veteran. Electric moments. Everything that makes the beautiful game so special.

Wataru Endo (on for Salah, 110′) – N/A

Unused substitutes: Marmardashvili, Gomez, Leoni, Robertson