Liverpool's perfect start to their Premier League campaign continued on Sunday, though they were certainly made to work for it.
A turgid display was rescued deep into stoppage time by Mohamed Salah, who dispatched his penalty in front of the traveling support.
Here are the match ratings:
Alisson Becker - 6/10
Not much to do for the Brazilian on the afternoon, so it's hard to go much higher. Did his best to spring a drab Liverpool into life with his distribution.
Dominik Szoboszlai - 7/10
Continued his run of matches at right-back. Did what was asked of him and was more influential as the match continued on, especially with the introductions of Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong allowing for him to move into midfield.
Ibrahima Konate - 6/10
Spurned a wonderful opportunity right in front of goal in the first half, that would have potentially heavily changed the complexion of the match.
Virgil van Dijk - 7.5/10
Like the rest of the defense, was not asked to do a ton defensively but winning 8 of 8 aerial duels seems worth a ratings bump
Milos Kerkez - 4.5/10
After an impressive showing against Arsenal right before the international break, this was anything but.
Following a yellow card for simulation and multiple fouls after, was subbed in the first half, a decision Arne Slot later attributed to worries of him being sent off. Hopefully, an outing Kerkez can learn from.
Ryan Gravenberch - 8/10
The standout performer for Liverpool on the day. Feels hardly a coincidence that, after likely using Newcastle as an opportunity to fully regain his legs and fitness, Liverpool have looked much more resolute and organized following his return from suspension.
Alexis Mac Allister - 6/10
Still seems off the pace physically. Fortunate to not have his leg snapped by Ugochukwu.
Florian Wirtz - 7/10
A bit like Arsenal, was able to find much more space and time on the pitch in the second half. Now, it is about starting matches in that manner.
Cody Gakpo - 6/10
Tried to influence the game from the left but nothing really came off.
Hugo Ekitike - 6.5/10
Was not the recipient of much service but had a couple of promising moments off the left, particularly a run that ended with a ball flashed across the box that was begging to be tapped in at the far post.
Mohamed Salah - 7/10
Perhaps a tad generous, but it was encouraging to see him bury a penalty of that magnitude after a few recent misses.
Still not as involved in general play as last season, potentially a result of all the new faces at the club.
Substitutes
Andy Robertson - 7/10
Provided immediate stability on the left that Kerkez could not. Curious to see who is preferred next match.
Conor Bradley - 6.5/0
Understandably provides something different to Szoboszlai at right-back. Injected urgency and pace into the game at the interval.
Federico Chiesa - 6/10
Not very involved but did spurn a great chance very soon after being introduced. Not an easy chance but one that a forward can be reasonably expected to bury.
Rio Ngumoha - N/A
Not enough time to put a number to his performance. Very lively and had the awareness to get his head up and create a chance for Jeremie Frimpong late on.
Jeremie Frimpong - N/A
Much like Ngumoha, hard to put a number on his limited time. Saw a chance saved and won the decisive penalty. His return to fitness could be important going forward.