Newcastle at home Saturday 31st January at 8pm

[peterbread]

Oh and the Kop were great tonight! All the energy and songs came from them until the last 15 mins, when the result was in the bag

You could feel it and hear it on the TV. When they got going it really fired the team up. Great to hear.

I said it earlier I’d like to see more night games in the league instead of early kickoffs. Let that anticipation of going to the game build all day and then let it out.

[Sus]

Did the kids enjoy it after a long day of boredom/anticipation

Yep they loved it, especially the 12 year old. He was telling the ref he was on the take like the rest of us.

The 9 year old found the noise a bit much at times but was happy just to be there. We’d had a really good day in the city beforehand (Museum of Liverpool, walk around Albert Dock, afternoon / early dinner at a local pub) so no boredom at all

[SB]

Yep they loved it, especially the 12 year old. He was telling the ref he was on the take like the rest of us.

The 9 year old found the noise a bit much at times but was happy just to be there. We’d had a really good day in the city beforehand (Museum of Liverpool, walk around Albert Dock, afternoon / early dinner at a local pub) so no boredom at all

Glad it went well mate.

[SB]

Liverpool ratings

Alisson – 7: Wasn’t set for Gordon’s strike, but commanded his box well throughout. Got play under way quickly before Ekitike’s second goal.

Milos Kerkez – 7: May have taken some blame for allowing Anthony Gordon’s strike to go under him, but made amends with a well-timed pass to Hugo Ekitike to register an assist.

Virgil van Dijk – 7: Won duels and commanded the line well to make it difficult for Newcastle to play through. Assured in possession.

Ibrahima Konate – 9: Won duels, anticipated play, and picked up direct runs in behind. It was already a sublime performance from Konate, and his goal capped his display off.


Dominik Szoboszlai – 7: Didn’t allow much to develop down his flank while deployed as a right back. Should have done better with an effort from outside of the box that he didn’t catch as well as he would have hoped.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8: One of Liverpool’s best players throughout the game. Broke up play, and linked the attack. In a complete midfielder's performance, he was unlucky not to get an assist after a clever ball to Ekitike.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7: Worked hard and stretched Newcastle’s midfield with direct runs, but booked for a foul on Jacob Ramsey.

Florian Wirtz – 9: Really starting to shine at Anfield. Glided excellently through defenders before assisting Ekitike, and he made a difficult finish look easy after placing the ball into the far corner from Salah’s pass.

Cody Gakpo – 7: Battled by winning several duels and drifted inside to provide help to his midfield. Unlucky not to score after a slalom through defenders late on.

Mohamed Salah – 7: Didn’t always get the better of Hall and should have scored with two good chances wasted. Picked out Wirtz to give Liverpool a much-needed cushion. 7 ? Seriously ?

Hugo Ekitike – 9: Timed his run exceptionally to apply the finishing touch to Wirtz’s pass, before producing an excellent burst of pace and finish for his second goal. Should have had a hat-trick, but fired wide of Nick Pope’s goal.

Thoughts on these scores from The National?

[fidget]

Gapko and Salah were 5/10 performances at best. Both also **** out of a couple of challenges.
I've been to most of the night matches this season and this was the best atmosphere. The whole ground was singing at times.
Pretty much agree with the other scores but give Virg an 8.
Anyone notice early on they stuck Dan Byrne on Wirtz lol.

[Harv]

Salah was absolutely awful

Those two chances he had through on goal, his bread and butter over the years, just show how far he's fallen off. How many times does he just blast the ball at defenders in front of him

Its a shame Frimpongs such a crock. His pace out wide is such a weapon for us.

[Friend of Moises]

We should just put Salah out of his misery. He's like a lame racehorse - which is either a sanctuary to retire or something worse. He's going to end up being forgotten and disliked by all. Sell or let him go on a free. It's a tragic end.

At least Gakpo puts a shift in. Good sub/squaddie. Play Isak there once he's back.