Liverpool player ratings vs Newcastle: Hapless front three, Klopp stubborn

Here are the Liverpool player ratings from the disappointing draw with Newcastle.

Jurgen Klopp’s team has succumbed to consecutive draws after a dour performance at St. James’s Park against Newcastle United.

After the disappointing point with West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on Boxing Day, it was thought that we’d return to some sort of normality despite the injury ruling Joel Matip out for a sustained period.

Fans were perplexed with the inclusion of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones against a side with such a low block like Newcastle.

The front three of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane all had chances, with the Egyptian denied by Karl Darlow in both halves with excellent saves.

The Englishman, who rejected Welsh internationality due to concentrating on his Newcastle career, was excellent throughout and won man of the match in the goalless draw.

The Reds failed to get going until Thiago emerged – with the Spaniard’s recovery the only real positive.

He got hold of the ball in midfield, completing 5/5 long passes and 6/6 duels – just a shame he couldn’t have been on longer.

The same can be said about Gini Wijnaldum and Xherdan Shaqiri, who got limited minutes off the bench to actually make an impact. This is down to Jurgen Klopp, who especially in the last few games has shown a unique stubbornness which have cost Liverpool points.

Here are the Liverpool player ratings, starting with the goalkeeper.

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker – 8/10

My man of the match once again as he proved so important.

Not only was his distribution on fire as per usual, but his save from Ciaran Clark from the corner was ridiculous. Playing behind Nat Phillips and Fabinho is not the same as playing behind Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, and his contribution this season can not be underestimated.

£65 million? Bargain.