NUFC player ratings vs Liverpool - Two 8s, a few 7s, several 6s and the odd 5

What a gutting end to what should've been a big win, as Newcastle conceded two late goals against Liverpool's 10-men at St James' Park.

Here's the ratings the morning after a devastating afternoon:

Nick Pope - 6 - Made a good early save to deny Diaz, was quick off his line and had mixed success when coming out for corners. Not much he could do about Nunez's two goals.

Kieran Trippier - 7 - Won his duels with Diaz before he was subbed off. Good in the air, positive in possession and tried to drive us forward. Harsh booking left him walking a tightrope late on.

Fabian Schar - 6 - Didn't have much to do but struggled with Jota in the second half, who was a handful compared to the anonymous Gakpo.

Sven Botman - 6.5 - Lost the flight of the ball for Nunez's equaliser, but made a stunning block to deny Salah before that and was generally a commanding presence before Nunez caused havoc. Let's hope his injury isn't a bad one.

Dan Burn - 6 - His limitations on the ball were evident, but he generally defended well until our late collapse. Limited Salah and made a few vital interceptions to snuff out corners or crosses into the box.

Sandro Tonali - 7.5 - Showed his quality and composure on the ball and was dogged off it, battling for loose balls and covering lots of ground down our right. Baffled to see him come off.

Bruno Guimaraes - 6 - Started well with some classy touches, neat passing and pressing out of possession, but faded in the second half and gave the ball away in the lead up to their winner.

Joelinton - 8 - Had an off night at Man City but was back to his dominant best here. Snapped into tackles, gave Liverpool midfielders no time to settle and was missed in the latter stages when he was forced off with a knee problem.

Miguel Almiron - 6 - Forced Alisson into a brilliant first half save and hit the post in the second 45 at the end of a lovely run. However, a few too many of his attacks fizzled out and he was wasteful in blazing a good chance over the bar.

Anthony Gordon - 8.5* - The best player on the pitch. Took his goal superbly, had the beating of Alexander-Arnold all afternoon and should've got him sent off. Looked full of confidence, fit, lightning quick and must be wondering why he was taken off by Howe.

Alexander Isak - 6 - His pace and movement was electric to get Van Dijk sent off, but he didn't receive enough service after that and was on the fringes. Replaced by Wilson with 20 minutes remaining.

SUBS:

Callum Wilson - 5 - Put himself about but nothing really came off for him. Headed one half chance wide.

Harvey Barnes - 5 - Didn't capitalise on a good through ball by Joelinton and struggled to cause Alexander-Arnold the same problems Gordon did.

Sean Longstaff - 5 - Tried to get things going down the right with Miggy and made a few decent runs into the box, but came to nothing. Had one effort straight at Alisson.

Elliot Anderson - N/A - Only on for the final 10 minutes. One nice pass but didn't offer the same presence as Joelinton.

Matt Targett - N/A - On in the 87th minute after Botman's injury.