Well, that isn't how that was supposed to go, was it? Liverpool were overwhelmed and simply outplayed by a more passionate and lively Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday.
The League Cup Final was supposed to bring a chance to lift silverware immediately after the heartbreak of being eliminated from the Champions League on Tuesday. Instead, it was a mostly miserable and somewhat bemusing spectacle from a Reds' perspective.
Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak outmatched the late consolation from Federico Chiesa as Liverpool saw their first chance at a trophy under Arne Slot go by the wayside.
Let's take a look at how the Liverpool players rated in the rough defeat at Wembley.
Caoimhin Kelleher - 6/10 - Neither goal was particulalry his fault in this one as the defense and marking let him down both times. Made some smart saves when asked but not the heroics from last season's final.
Jarrell Quansah - 6/10 - His ball distribution left a lot to be desired going forward. However, he was sturdy enough defensively with some decent challenges. Asked to do a lot late on with so many attackers on the pitch.
Ibrahima Konate - 6.5/10 - He was rock solid early on as he was cutting out crosses and passes all over the defense. But he faded as Newcastle kept piling the pressure on.
Virgil van Dijk - 7.5/10 - The Captain was one of the few players to rise to the occasion for Liverpool as he was directing traffic everywhere and was cutting out attacking threats seemingly at will.
Andy Robertson - 5/10 - Robbo worked hard but his deliveries into the final third were not nearly good enough and aside from a block or two, he was overrun on the flank more than once.
Alexis Mac Allister - 5.5/10 - Could not influence the match like we have seen him do so many times before. Was loose on the ball more than usual and why he was tasked with marking the giant Burns will never make sense.
Ryan Gravenberch - 5/10 - He was largely invisible and the likes of Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães dominated the midfield rendering the Dutchman almost irrelevant at times. He looks worn down.
Dominik Szoboszlai - 5/10 -He at least showed some attacking endeavor even if his intentions were not met with execution. Like Gravenberch, was overwhelmed by the inspired Newcastle midfield.
Mohamed Salah - 4/10 - Another dud performance from a player that has gone from best in the world to nigh on forgettable in a week with his performances tonight and against PSG. He's still incredible, but his name was barely called until things were mostly already wrapped up for Newcastle.
Diogo Jota - 4/10 - A miserable run of form continued for Jota who has just not found his levels since returning from injury. Why he continues to start in key matches is more than confusing at this point.
Luis Diaz - 4/10 - More wasteful final decision-making as Lucho could not find a way through the Magpies defense. Too often carried the ball into a more disadvantageous position than helpful.
SUBS:
Curtis Jones - 5/10 - He was fine and took a fine strike on goal that seemed to ignite a small glimmer of energy but could not bring anything else against the Black and White storm.
Darwin Nunez - 5/10 - Tried putting himself in dangerous spots but rarely had the chance to do anything with Newcastle sitting so deep late on.
Cody Gakpo - 4.5/10 - Had some attacking intent but he is clearly rusty and was not able to bring his usual threat to the match.
Harvey Elliott - 6/10 - He came on with a burst of energy and did what he could to drive the attack forward. Put some threatening balls into the box and made the most of a difficult ask for a sub.
Federico Chiesa - 7/10 - Like van Dijk, was one of a few players to make a positive mark on the match. Took his goal so very well and showed attacking verve that we have not seen from Jota and Diaz for awhile.