Alexander-Arnold tops player ratings in Liverpool victory over Newcastle

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 16: Juergen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool celebrate their side's victory after the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on December 16, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 16: Juergen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool celebrate their side's victory after the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on December 16, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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Liverpool’s English midfielder Jordan Henderson (L) vies with Newcastle United’s Brazilian striker Joelinton (R) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on December 16, 2021.   (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool’s English midfielder Jordan Henderson (L) vies with Newcastle United’s Brazilian striker Joelinton (R) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on December 16, 2021.   (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Midfielders

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6

Oxlade-Chamberlain was relatively quiet and struggled to make any sort of impact throughout the match. He did, however, make a stellar volley pass to play Salah into Newcastle territory late in the first half. Salah, unfortunately, pulled his shot wide, but credit to Ox where it’s due.

Jordan Henderson – 8

Filling the defensive midfielder role of Fabinho, Henderson served as a solid anchor for the squad throughout the match on both sides of the ball. There may not be any flashy highlights in this performance for the captain, but his composure and 91% passing accuracy helped settle and reestablish a footing for the Reds after an extremely sloppy and slow start.

Thiago Alcantara – 5

Thiago arguably handed Jonjo Shelvey the opener with an extremely weak clearance attempt in just the seventh minute. Struggled to make much of an impact on either side of the ball and looked extremely out of sync until halftime.