Early Keita goal sends Liverpool back atop the Premier League

Midfielders

Jordan Henderson – 7

Henderson played as a defensive midfielder, but still managed to make a few key passes throughout his time on the pitch, including sending the ball wide in the build up to Keita’s goal. Before being subbed off in the second half, Henderson had one tackle, interception, and clearance apiece, and led the Reds with 93% pass accuracy, including one key pass.

James Milner – 8

Milner made a brilliant, if not temporarily controversial, tackle to force a Newcastle turnover that started the build up to Keita’s opening goal. It was a good outing for Milner, who was subbed off the middle of the second half. He finished with four tackles, a clearance, three aerials won, 86% pass success and four key passes.

Naby Keita – 9

Keita had a great game from box to box. He came out swinging in the first half, with one shot early deflected wide. He maintained composure at close attacking range off a pass from Diaz, taking an extra touch along the goal line allowing him to score the opening goal. Keita finished with 79% pass success, a key pass, three shots, a clearance, an interception and three tackles.