WHAT a strange game of football that was. Far too end of season far too in the season. Let’s put it down to semi-final distractions… Anyway, some scores and then some words that may or may not reflect them.

SIMON MIGNOLET: 9

Football - FA Premier League - Liverpool FC v Newcastle United FC

Meeting me and Andy in the week had the predictable positive impact we all knew it would. Saves, punches, even some decent footwork. The biggest turnaround since we said we wouldn’t charge for content.

GLEN JOHNSON: 3

My drama teacher used to say: “If you start well and end well, the audience won’t care what happens in the middle”. He’d probably change his mind if he saw Johnson play tonight.

ALBERTO MORENO: 5

Benefited greatly from not being Glen Johnson. Daft yellow aside. Some good overlapping.

DEJAN LOVREN: 5

Makes you weep at least once a game. Should have conceded a penalty. Another clean sheet though. So he must be doing something right.

EMRE CAN: 6

Wasn’t sure he could play at the back in a two, but did well overall. Some great front foot defending and brought the ball out well. Will have greater tests against teams who actually play a striker.

LUCAS LEIVA: 5

Looked a little slow trying to counter their neat play. Decent enough with the ball, but needs to be more alive on Sunday.

JORDAN HENDERSON: 6

Lovely ball for the opening goal. Great free kick for the Lucas header, too. But looks half the player when he lets his energy levels drop

JOE ALLEN: 5

Didn’t feel he was doing enough to get us up the pitch. But tried to get stuck in against bigger lads. Which is basically everyone. First goal at Anfield in the Premier League as well. Which is nice.

JORDON IBE: 5

Couldn’t really get in the game. But a new position for him, for us at least, after a break out. Shame we can’t use him at all this weekend. Should have thought that one through a bit better, Liverpool.

RAHEEM STERLING: 7

Football - FA Premier League - Liverpool FC v Newcastle United FC

Lovely goal after a gorgeous touch. Then he missed that other one allowing Ronnie Rosenthal to have the best sleep he’s enjoyed in years tonight. He’s still our best player though. Don’t care what you say. He’s 20 years old, ladies and gentlemen, even if he is a bit of a balloon (allegedly).

PHILIPPE COUTINHO: 8

Actually maybe he’s our best player. Treats the match ball like it belongs to him. Had a unfamiliar role for much of tonight but he’s still the business. Imagine him with a striker that can run.

SUBS

FABIO BORINI: 5

Better at Grand National outfits than football. No disgrace. I’m crap at both, mate.

RICKIE LAMBERT: 5

Thought it was really mean that they stopped trying to attack when he came on. But not as mean as not putting Brannagan on instead. Come on Brendan, lad. He’s been on the bench since December.

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Read: Neil Atkinson’s match review: Liverpool v Newcastle

Read: Monday column: What’s the deal with the contracts, Liverpool?

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Pics: David Rawcliffe-Propaganda-Photo

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