An attacking clinic from the Egyptian lifted the Premier League leaders against Newcastle, but his erratic strike partner kept Jurgen Klopp on edge

Liverpool dominated the vast majority of the game, but were left frustrated in the final third, as VAR disallowed a well-taken opener from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah saw his spot-kick saved just minutes later.

The Reds were almost made to pay for their missed chances in the first 45-minutes, after Dan Burn headed his effort past Alisson Becker in the Liverpool goal, only to see it ruled out due to an offside in the build-up.

However, in his final game before he departs to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Egypt, Salah made up for his earlier error and tapped home the opener just four minutes into the second-half. A lead which was short-lived, as Alexander Isak burst through to equalize for Eddie Howe's side just five minutes later.

As several minutes ticked by and a flurry of changes unfolded from Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool would go on to re-take the lead in a well-worked move ending in a Curtis Jones goal, before Cody Gakpo added a third. Sven Botman thought he had got his side back into the game, until Salah was given his second opportunity from the spot and made no mistake this time.

GOAL rates Liverpool players from Anfield…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (7/10):

Rarely forced to make a save but arguably could've done better for the Isak goal. Distribution was strong as ever, though.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (8/10):

Liverpool's main creative spark throughout the majority of the game. Lacked his usual quality in the final third, including a strike from just in-front of goal after the penalty miss.

Virgil van Dijk (6/10):

Played Isak on for the equaliser. Strange lapse in concentration for the usually reliable captain. Nowhere near Sven Botman for the second goal.

Ibrahim Konate (6/10):

Another player rarely called into action as his side dominated the ball but was caught out by Newcastle for the equaliser.

Joe Gomez (6/10):

Made a series of vital blocks and tackles when Newcastle did get forward, did well out of position at left-back.

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Curtis Jones (8/10):

Quietly went about his business before bursting into the box and finishing an impressive move to score his first Premier League goal of the season.

Wataru Endo (7/10):

Battled well in midfield and regularly recovered possession so Liverpool could maintain a level of pressure on their opponents.

Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

Linked the midfield and attack well, with his runs into the final third threatening throughout. However, was wasteful at times when in dangerous areas.

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Luis Diaz (7/10):

Saw his effort disallowed in the first-half. Minutes later won his side the penalty which was ultimately missed. A bright-spark for Jurgen Klopp's team nonetheless.

Darwin Nunez (6/10):

Struggled to get involved in the early stages but almost had an assist for the opener, after Diaz's goal was disallowed. Would eventually get his assist as he squared it to Salah. Multiple chances to get on the scoresheet but couldn't find the back of the net.

Mohamed Salah (9/10):

Uncharacteristically missed from the penalty spot in the first half but quickly made up for it after half-time, as he tapped home the opener. Despite the penalty miss, which he rectified with his second effort, he was influential as ever.

Subs & Manager

Diogo Jota (8/10):

Instant impact after he was found by Salah in-behind the Newcastle defence, before squaring the ball to Jones for the second goal. Could've easily added a fourth but went down to win a penalty, which was given.

Cody Gakpo (8/10):

Went close to scoring just minutes after coming on but it was well saved. Would eventually get his goal shortly after as he scrambled Salah's cross in for the third.

Ryan Gravenberch (5/10):

Sloppy start and wasn't as impactful as the other substitutes.

Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):

Played a key role in extending the lead and seeing the game out. Will be huge in the coming weeks after returning from injury.

Jurgen Klopp (8/10):

Kept his players calm after dominating the first half and quickly saw his side take the lead. His substitutes changed the game in Liverpool's favour.