Newcastle United ended the year with a hard-won point, holding champions Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at St James’ Park.
It was an even first half as Newcastle defended well and Liverpool struggled with their last ball to see the teams go scoreless after 45 minutes.
Jurgen Klopp’s side pushed for a winner in the second half, and Salah saw another chance deviate as Newcastle released an effort off the line before Sadio Mane could grab it. Liverpool struggled to create clearer chances before full-time. time whistle, and Steve Bruce’s team stayed strong and took a earned run in 2021.
NEWCASTLE
What a safeguard it was from Karl Darlow. ?#NEWLIV pic.twitter.com/TtFIgoxupM
– 90min (at 90min_Football) December 30, 2020
Karl Darlow (GK) – 8/10 – Two big saves in the first half by Salah and Firmino. Made another big save late to stop a late winner.
Ciaran Clark (BC) – 7/10 – Made big clearances throughout the night and controlled the back line well, helping Ritchie face Salah.
Fabian Schar (CB) – 7/10 – Handled Liverpool’s attack well all night and made a superb clearance to keep him 0-0 with ten minutes remaining.
Federico Fernandez (CB) – 8/10 – Excellent performance from the skipper, who made more tackles than anyone on the pitch.
DeAndre Yedlin (RWB) – 7/10 – was dangerous going forward with his pace and handled the threat from Robertson and Mane perfectly.
Matt Ritchie (LWB) – 6/10 – Played well defensively for the most part. I could have freed Wilson earlier a few times, but I never looked up properly.
Jacob Murphy (RM) – 6/10 – Large, energetic display for 65 minutes before it is replaced. Defensively solid and always looked to move forward when he had the chance.
Matty Longstaff (CM) – 5/10 – Struggled to make an impact, but kept form well alongside Hayden and silenced Henderson.
Isaac Hayden (CM) – 6/10 – A strong defensive game filling in the gaps with his energy, but secured a fifth booking so Newcastle’s next game will be missed.
Joelinton (LM) – 6/10 – Worked tirelessly to help defend but was also a runner willing to support Wilson on offense too. Summed up the entirety of 2020 with an over-the-head kick attempt that… well, check it out on Twitter later.
Callum Wilson (ST) – 7/10 – Wilson started on his own and caused a lot of trouble at Liverpool’s back line with his consistent run behind. High level performance, without a goal.
67 ‘First change of evening …
Come on, Miggy!
[0-0]#NEWLIV | #NUFC pic.twitter.com/akaEZ0G9uK
– Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 30, 2020
Miguel Almiron – 5/10 – Did his defensive homework well but never really had the chance to play on the other end of the field.
Jamal Lewis (LWB) – N / A
LIVERPOOL
Alisson (GK) – 6/10 – There was only one stop to make and should be happy with his clean sheet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – 5/10 – Had trouble getting into the game but was good defensively. Fairly average game according to his criteria.
Fabinho (CB) – 5/10 – Wrestled with Wilson’s physicality and pace throughout the opening hour and was booked to cynically stop a counterattack.
Nathaniel Phillips (CB) – 6/10 – Well swept at the back and dominant overhead, winning more aerial duels than anyone on the field. Reserved to erase Joelinton.
Andrew Robertson (LB) – 6/10 – I tried hard as usual on the left and came a long way, but his superb final ball was missing on the night.
Jordan Henderson (DM) – 5/10 – The skipper struggled to influence the game in his usual way, with not enough intentional passing.
James Milner (CM) – 5/10 – Strong defensively but struggled to do anything remarkable in the future. Substituted 15 minutes from time as Liverpool pushed for a goal.
Curtis Jones (CM) – 5/10 – Probably his quietest game of the season. Could be forgiven for forgetting he played. Subbed on 66 min.
Sadio Mane (LW) – 6/10 – The brightest Liverpool striker of the night, but he never quite went his way with the final ball.
Mohamed Salah (RW) – 5/10 – Very calm first half but missed a big face to face. I missed an even better chance in the second half.
Roberto Firmino (ST) – 5/10 – Missed a big chance in the first half with a header and never quite started their passing game in the second as Liverpool failed to unblock the Magpies.
73 ‘- Our next change as Thiago replaces Milner.
[0-0]#NEWLIV
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 30, 2020
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) – 5/10 – Came with 25 minutes to go and was as efficient as the man he replaced. No impact.
Thiago (CM) – N / A
Xherdan Shaqiri (RW) – N / A
