Player ratings for Newcastle vs Liverpool as Philippe Coutinho lights up match with stunning long range strike
Brazilian playmaker scored a brilliant 25-yard goal to put Jurgen Klopp's side ahead before Jonjo Shelvey drove the Newcastle fight-back to earn draw - but who will be star man?
PHILIPPE COUNTINHO lit up St James' Park with a brilliant goal but Liverpool were held to a draw by a battling Newcastle.
Brazilian star Coutinho is only just getting his season started after the opening month of the campaign was marred by his head being turned by Barcelona.
But the playmaker netted his third goal in three games since returning to the side with a stunning 25-yard strike to put Liverpool ahead.
Yet Newcastle refused to be rolled over and they found their way back into the game thanks to poor Liverpool defending and a huge slice of luck.
BACK PROBLEMS: Defence costs Liverpool again as Newcastle fight back to earn a draw
The Reds defence went missing to allow Joselu to burst clean through on goal, and though Joel Matip got back to recover ground his tackle only struck the ball against the shin of the Toon star and the ball rolled into the net.
Liverpool pressed forward looking to snatch a victory that would keep them in touch with the early pacesetters in the Premier League.
But they could find no way through and again found themselves frustrated by an inability to convert their dominance in possession with goals.
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Newcastle deserved their point, inspired by driving performances from Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Ritchie - but who was the Dream Team star man?
Dream Team Ratings
Newcastle: Elliot 6, Yedlin 6, Lascelles 7, Clark 6, Manquillo 6, Shelvey 6, Merino 7 (Hayden 6), Ritchie 6, Perez 5 (Diame 6), Atsu 6, Joselu 7 (Gayle 79).
Liverpool: Mignolet 6, Gomez 6, Matip 7, Lovren 6, Moreno 6, Wijnaldum 6, Henderson 6, Coutinho 8, Salah 6 (Oxlade-Chamberlain 5), Sturridge 5 (Firmino 6), Mane 6 (Solanke 6)
Star Man: Philippe Coutinho - Scored a brilliant goal, his third in three games since returning to the Liverpool side, and showed why he is so important to the club.
