Liverpool defeated Newcastle 2-1 on Wednesday with a goal eight minutes into stoppage time – and their youngest players came up big.
The Kop has a new darling after Eddie Howe and his time-wasting Newcastle side were stunned at Anfield. Substitute Fabio Carvalho – just 20 years old – slammed in a stoppage time goal to make it two wins from two for Jurgen Klopp's side. And teenage midfielder Harvey Elliott, brilliant in his own right, was there to celebrate with him.
How the home fans celebrated this. Klopp busted out his trademark fist pumps in front of the Kop, and no wonder. It may only be August, but this felt huge, as much for the mood as anything else.
Liverpool trailed to a first-half strike from Alexander Isak, the Newcastle debutant, but roused themselves belatedly after the break, equalising through Roberto Firmino.
With Anfield infuriated by what they perceived as constant time-wasting tactics from the visitors, the Reds looked to have missed their chance of all three points when the clock ticked into the 98th minute.
But as Newcastle failed to deal with a James Milner corner, it was Carvalho who somehow forced the ball home from close range, sparking wild scenes in the stands, in the dugouts and on the pitch.
Whatever the 20-year-old, who celebrated his birthday yesterday, goes on to achieve at this famous old club, he'll do well to top this feeling for sheer elation.
Getty ImagesThe Winners
Fabio Carvalho:
Where else to start but with the match winner? Carvalho celebrated his 20th birthday on Tuesday, and this was the perfect present for the supremely-gifted youngster. Brought on with 19 minutes remaining, the former Fulham man thought he'd missed his golden chance when he scuffed his shot after being played in by a quickly-taken free-kick in the second minute of stoppage time. He hadn't. With the clock showing 90+8, Carvalho was alive in the box as Nick Pope and the Newcastle defence dallied. The release when the ball hit the net, and the celebrations which followed, will be remembered for some time to come. A month into his Reds career, Carvalho is already making waves and putting smiles on faces.
Alexander Isak:
Granted a work permit only on the morning of the game, Newcastle's record signing wasted no time making a positive impression with his new team-mates and supporters. Tall, mobile and smart in his movement, he took his goal superbly, getting in behind the Reds defence before smashing past Alisson Becker on his right foot. How the Geordies packed inside the away end loved it! He would have had another were it not for a very tight offside call in the second half, but as introductions go, this was a cracker for the 22-year-old.
Harvey Elliott:
Talk about taking responsibility. Talk about a young footballer playing with maturity and composure beyond his years. Talk about a proper talent, a special player. As Liverpool's senior men toiled here, it was the 19-year-old who stepped up and got his side going. Elliott's touch, positivity and intent stood out a mile against the Anfield floodlights. He was the one who believed, the one who found the right pass with the right pace on it, and who rose to the challenge when Klopp needed him. Whatever Liverpool's midfield problems – and they definitely have some, on this evidence – he is not one of them.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers
Jordan Henderson:
If there's one game the ex-Sunderland man would not want to struggle in, it's this one. Mocked throughout by the Newcastle fans for his Wearside heritage, Liverpool's captain was far from his best throughout. His stretching touch led, indirectly, to the visitors' goal, and he looked a player lacking confidence on the ball throughout. He left with just under 20 minutes to go, having picked up a hamstring injury. It seems unlikely that we will see him against Everton on Saturday.
Fabinho:
What has happened to the Brazilian? Normally so reliable, he is, like many of his team-mates, a shadow of his former self at the moment. Targeted by Newcastle's pressing game here, the former Monaco man was ruffled early on and never truly recovered. He was dropped recently for the defeat to Manchester United, and he needs to up his game quickly and substantially if Liverpool are to get their season back on track.
Eddie Howe:
The Newcastle boss must have thought he'd gotten away with it. Must have been looking forward to a right old grin and perhaps a few comparisons with Diego Simeone in the morning newspapers. Newcastle played well in spells here, particularly in the first half, but there were times where they appeared intent on producing an impression of Atletico Madrid with their time-wasting and gamesmanship. As early as the third minute, Nick Pope was down asking for treatment. He carried on, as did Joelinton, Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett and Jamaal Lascelles after him. Anfield hated it, even more so as it looked like the Magpies were about to grind their way to a point, but when Carvalho's winner arrived, in time that referee Andre Marriner had added on to the minimum five signalled by his fourth official, it created an explosion. Justice served, the home fans will feel.
Getty ImagesLiverpool Ratings: Defence
Alisson Becker (6/10):
Lots of sweeping up far from his line. Helpless for Isak's goal, distributed the ball well particularly with his hands.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (5/10):
Good covering to deny Isak in the first half but his loose pass led to Newcastle's opener and he was troubled by the visitors' pace on the break. Replaced by Milner as Liverpool chased the game.
Andy Robertson (6/10):
Some useful forays forward but still searching for his best form, and a proper understanding with Diaz. Replaced by Tsimikas.
Joe Gomez (6/10):
Lost too many headers but showed courage on the ball and never stopped believing. His header led to Carvalho's winner. The less said about his 25-yard volley the better.
Virgil van Dijk (5/10):
Napping for Isak's opener and loose with some of his passing. Nowhere near his best at the moment.
Getty ImagesMidfield
Fabinho (5/10):
Struggled against the Newcastle press and looked lethargic. His form is a concern but it will improve, for sure.
Jordan Henderson (5/10):
Making his 400th Premier League appearance, he was goaded relentlessly by the visiting Newcastle fans and his loose touch led to Isak's opener. Improved second half, but he had to. Injury concern ahead of the Everton game.
Harvey Elliott (8/10):
All of Liverpool's neatest and most confident work came from the youngster, who led by example and got his side going when they needed him. Some of his more senior colleagues need to rise to his level at the moment.