10-man Newcastle United were thwarted by Liverpool in a highly anticipated Premier League clash at St James’ Park.
The Magpies were unable to take advantage of a sensational home crowd who were willing their team on to pick up their first win of the season.
Unfortunately, what could have been a dream game turned into a nightmare when they went a goal down after 40 minutes through Ryan Gravenberch, and Anthony Gordon was shown a straight red card for a horrific foul on Virgil van Dijk.
Gordon will now miss Newcastle United’s next three games against Leeds United, Wolves and Bournemouth. William Osula will likely lead the line in his absence if Alexander Isak still makes himself unavailable.
Hugo Ekitike doubled Liverpool’s lead less than a minute into the second half, compounding the misery for the Magpies. Bruno Guimaraes’s headed goal was something to cling to for Newcastle, before Osula fired home from close range to equalise just before stoppage time.
Unfortunately, Newcastle could not keep Liverpool at bay, as Rio Ngumoha fired home from close range deep into stoppage time.
With Newcastle losing their first home game of the season, here is how the players performed against the Reds.
Anthony Gordon exits the pitch after being sent off in a Premier League game between Newcastle United and Liverpool.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Nick Pope – 4
A decent start by making a stop from Florian Wirtz early on and being accurate with his distribution, but there may as well have been a ghost in the net for Liverpool’s goal.
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Nick Pope appeared to be slightly wrong-footed and could only watch as the ball bounced off the post before heading in.
The shot-stopper put in more effort in an attempt to stop Liverpool’s second, but it was just out of reach. However, Pope redeemed himself with the deep ball which met the head of Burn for Osula to finish, only to mess it up for himself again by failing to react to Liverpool’s third goal.
Kieran Trippier – 5
Like Pope, Kieran Trippier made a decent start in the game, but faded after the half-hour mark. Both of Liverpool’s goals came from his side.
Fabian Schar – 6
A minor scare when he mistimed an attempt at an interception, but Fabian Schar kept things clean throughout.
Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do for the goal, which slipped through the legs of many into the back of the net. Came off after suffering a head injury in the second half.
Dan Burn – 8
Dan Burn was well aware of what needed to be done before the game. The 33-year-old scored in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, thus making him a hero on Tyneside.
Burn’s defensive contributions were great for the most part, and, like Schar, he could do very little for the goals. Booked just before half-time for a late challenge on Salah.
Headed the ball on for Osula’s goal, Newcastle’s leveller.
Tino Livramento – 7
With Lewis Hall still not fully fit, Tino Livramento had a huge task of keeping Mohamed Salah quiet. Livramento enjoyed a lively start at both sides of the pitch, heading balls clear while sprinting up to help in attack.
Bagged an assist for Guimaraes’ goal just before the hour mark with a great cross deep into the penalty area.
Joelinton – 6.5
Fans wanted the Brazilian to get stuck in, and he did exactly that. Joelinton put in a high boot on Cody Gakpo in the opening minutes of the game, though he did calm himself down soon afterwards.
The 29-year-old came alive after his fellow countryman’s goal, reminding fans of his iconic performance in the Carabao Cup final. A big injury worry on 72 minutes, which forced him off, not what you want to see after just being called up to the Brazil national team.
Sandro Tonali – 7
Covered just about every blade of grass once again, Sandro Tonali proves every week why his £55m price tag was such a bargain, even if he was Newcastle’s second most expensive signing.
Struggled with his shoulder throughout the second half after a rough landing, but carried on for another 10 minutes before being replaced by Lewis Miley.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8
Guimaraes did very well to draw a foul from Gravenberch, which led to the first booking of the game.
The Newcastle captain did his best to try and restore order in the second half, and was rewarded for his work rate with a headed goal on 56 minutes.
Anthony Elanga – 6.5
Anthony Elanga had Milos Kerkez’s number throughout the game, using his pace to break away from the back line and work his way into the box with the ball.
A much better performance for the winger after his debut at Villa Park, he played with so much confidence in front of the home crowd.
Anthony Gordon – 4
Played as a striker, but Gordon had so much joy running into the channels. Did brilliantly to win fouls throughout. Came close to opening the scoring twice in as many minutes when he headed over and then had an effort blocked inside the six-yard box.
Unfortunately, all the promising work was undone when he was shown a red card for a poor challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
Harvey Barnes – 5
After his poor performance against Villa, Harvey Barnes needed to deliver. The winger started off well, working with Livramento up the left-hand side, but barely managed to beat Dominik Szoboszlai without the help of his teammates.
Howe needs to have a rethink about his starting line-up ahead of the game against Leeds United on Saturday.
Substitutes
Lewis Miley – 6
Came on during the Magpies’ comeback attempt, but did little when given the ball.
Lewis Hall – 6
A first Premier League appearance for the 21-year-old after recovering from an ankle injury. Hall allowed Livramento to move back into his natural right-back position late into the game.
Jacob Ramsey – 6.5
His first appearance in the black and white stripes, and it is fair to say Jacob Ramsey was thrown straight into the deep end. Looked very promising down the left-hand side in his short cameo.
William Osula – 7.5
Osula would have preferred to start the game, but he was given his opportunity late on at St James’ Park. He finally showed Eddie Howe why he should be starting with the equaliser just a couple of minutes before stoppage time, a tame finish past Alisson.
Malick Thiaw – 6
Another debutant for the Magpies, Malick Thiaw came on for Schar but could not do much to help the fightback. Nowhere to be seen for the third goal.