Newcastle United player ratings: Anthony Gordon impresses as Toon hit by Nick Pope hammer blow

Newcastle United were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool on a day when Nick Pope’s red card proved to be a hammer blow for Eddie Howe’s side.

At 2-0 down Pope rushed out of his goal to deal with Mo Salah before handling outside the area. And he was swiftly shown a red card meaning he will miss the Carabao Cup final.

Liverpool turned up at St James’ Park desperately trying to get back into the race for the Champions League. Their determination showed as they dominated the first half and went 2-0 up. Newcastle could not get back into it in the second half despite chances for Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak.

How the players rated overall

Nick Pope 5

Beaten twice before a rush of blood cost him a place in the Carabao Cup final. It’s harsh luck on one of the stars of the season at Newcastle but ref Anthony Taylor had to stick to the letter of the law.

Kieran Trippier 6

Suffered a tough time down the right early on. Recovered but came off early on tough day.

Fabian Schar 5

Not at his best as Liverpool piled on the pressure.

Sven Botman 6

Left standing for the second goal. Picked up after the break. Made eight clearances but the game was gone.

Dan Burn 7

Battled hard, hitting the bar and clearing one off the line. Spirited.

Joelinton 6

Gave it his all but Liverpool bossed it in midfield.

Sean Longstaff 6

A tough battle as Stefan Bajcetic ran the show early on.

Elliot Anderson 6

Barely given chance to make an impact before red card storm resulted in early withdrawal. Has just eight touches.

Miguel Almiron 6

Started brightly with a shot blocked by Alisson. Booked before being taken off with tempers flaring.

Allan Saint-Maximin 7

Caused plenty of problems for Newcastle and looked close to his best without scoring or creating a goal. Edged man of the match award.

Alexander Isak 5

Did not offer any real threat. One effort flew wide and had just 23 touches.

Subs

Martin Dubravka 7 (for Anderson 22)

Called on to steady the ship with some big saves.

Callum Wilson 6 (for Isak 64)

One clear sight of goal as Alisson made a block. Not quite fit.

Gordon 7 (for Almiron 64)

Made a big impact and had Liverpool on the back-foot. Almost played Wilson in for a late strike.

Murphy 6 (for Trippier 64)

Gave it a go.

Matt Ritchie 6 (for Joelinton 71)

Not much impact.

READ MORE: Newcastle United vs Liverpool LIVE updates

Here’s how the players rated in the first half:

Nick Pope 5

Beaten twice before a rush of blood cost him a place in the Carabao Cup final. It’s harsh luck on one of the stars of the season at Newcastle but ref Anthony Taylor had to stick to the letter of the law.

Kieran Trippier 6

Suffered a tough time down the right early on. Recovered with a couple of clearances.

Fabian Schar 5

Not at his best.

Sven Botman 5

Left standing for the second goal.

Dan Burn 6

Battling away. Hit crossbar.

Joelinton 6

Trying to get on top of tough midfield battle.

Sean Longstaff 5

In a contest with Stefan Bajcetic.

Elliot Anderson 6

Barely given chance to make an impact before red card storm resulted in early withdrawal. Has just eight touches.

Miguel Almiron 5

Booked and struggling to make an impact. Needs to keep his head.

Allan Saint-Maximin 7

The best United player so far.

Alexander Isak 5

Yet to trouble the Red defence.

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