NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1):

7 Elliot: Didn’t have a chance with Coutinho’s wonder strike, but made an excellent second-half save to deny Sturridge

7 Yedlin: Suffered a difficult afternoon up against Mane and Coutinho, but made a superb goalline clearance in the first half

8 LASCELLES: Continued his fine run of form with another excellent display that saw him successfully shackle Sturridge and Firmino

7 Clark: Made some important blocks and tackles, but almost shot himself in the foot when his second-half error left Sturridge clear

6 Manquillo: Returned to the side at left-back, but might have been in trouble had Gomez’s crossing been better

7 Merino: Another impressive display from the Spaniard, who mopped things up effectively in front of the Newcastle back four

7 Shelvey: Recalled in place of Hayden, and justified his inclusion with the fine through ball that led to Joselu’s goal

6 Ritchie: Tested Mignolet with an early curler, but spent most of his afternoon on defensive duties rather than causing problems in attack

6 Perez: Ran himself into the ground to close down Liverpool’s midfielders, but rarely looked like threatening in the final third

5 Atsu: Wasn’t able to get himself into a threatening attacking position, but was another player who worked extremely hard

6 Joselu: His goal might have been more about luck than judgement, but he timed his run perfectly to break clear of Liverpool’s back four


Subs:

Hayden (for Merino, 74)

Gayle (for Joselu, 79)

Diame (for Perez, 90)

(not used): Darlow (gk), Gamez, Lejeune, Murphy.


LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1):

Mignolet 7; Gomez 6, Lovren 7, Matip 7, Moreno 6; Henderson 6, Wijnaldum 6; Salah 7 (Oxlade-Chamberlain 84), COUTINHO 8, Mane 6 (Solanke 73); Sturridge 5 (Firmino 73).

Subs (not used): Karius (gk), Klavan, Milner, Can.


Man Of The Match: JAMAAL LASCELLES – The Newcastle centre-half has been in fine form this season, and this was another impressive display as he dealt with a series of probing passes and through balls.