Arne Slot’s Liverpool returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a stellar comeback victory over fellow Champions League-hopefuls Newcastle. It marks the first time Liverpool have scored four in the top flight since the opening game of the season, and possibly a sign that the reigning champions have turned a corner. 

It was a rip-roaring start for the visitors, who deservedly took the lead via Anthony Gordon, who netted his first open-play league goal in over a year. What looked as if it could turn into a disaster half for Liverpool was actually flipped on its head by Hugo Ekitike, who bagged two in quick succession to put the Merseysiders in front. The first came after good footwork from Florian Wirtz, who picked out his team-mate inside the area, before a blistering counter-attack saw Ekitike make it 2-1 before the break.

The frantic nature of the contest continued into the second half, where Liverpool once again took advantage, this time Wirtz turning goalscorer. The German struck home a composed finish to continue his rich vein of goalscoring form in front of the Kop. Ibrahima Konate put the icing on the cake with an emotional moment after scoring, following the death of his late father recently. Express Sport hand out player ratings after a big win for the Reds.

Liverpool player ratings vs Newcastle

Alisson – 7

Pulled off some important saves throughout the match to ensure the game didn’t get away from Liverpool. Couldn’t have done much about the Gordon goal, but commanded his penalty area well when called upon.

Slotted in at right-back following the latest injury to Jeremie Frimpong and might have to feature regularly there in the coming weeks. Didn’t look out of place though and came close to snatching a goal with a couple of teasing efforts. It isn’t a long-term solution, but it’s certainly problem solved for now.

Back into the starting XI and back making an impact. It hasn’t been an easy season for the Frenchman, who was blamed for a lot of Liverpool’s defensive woes earlier in the season. But the centre-back looked back to his best at times under the lights against Newcastle. He was brought to tears after putting the ball in the back of the net late on to seal the three points for Slot and co.

Caught out of position one or two times, but was also quick to sweep up any danger when Newcastle broke in behind. Would’ve wanted more protection from his midfielders.

Played a stunning pass in behind the Newcastle backline, which eventually led to Ekitike’s second. Was a willing runner up and down the Liverpool left, but was beaten too easily at times.

Certainly involved from an offensive point of view, but the Dutchman struggled to match the intensity of Newcastle’s midfield at points in the first half.

Another player who hasn’t always impressed this season, but it was a much-improved showing from the Argentine. Although, he’s marked down for falling to the ground clutching his face when touched in the chest by Gordon in the first half.

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Picked up an assist for the Wirtz goal, but was generally poor throughout the night. It’s clear the Egyptian has lost half a yard of pace and ought to have done better on a couple of occasions in front of goal.

This is the player Liverpool paid over £100million for. It’s taken a while, but the German has finally arrived in the Premier League party and is starting to properly find his groove. Clever feet opened the door for Ekitike’s opener, with his finish for the third just as instinctive and effective.

The quietest out of Liverpool’s attackers, and perhaps fortunate to have been granted a full 90 minutes on the pitch.

Already a cult hero at Anfield and understandably so. The match was drifting way from Liverpool prior to the Frenchman sparking it into life. It was a case of ‘what could’ve been’ for Newcastle, who had been linked with a move to St. James’ Park in the summer. The reaction from the Liverpool fans at full-time said it all… they already love him!