Liverpool player ratings in Carabao Cup final: Mohamed Salah goes missing as Virgil van Dijk struggles | OneFootball

Too many below-par performances as Newcastle inflict second major setback in a matter of days at Wembley

Only the Premier League title remains in terms of potential silverware for Liverpool this season, after they lost the Carabao Cup final 2-1 to Newcastle.

Dan Burn gave Newcastle the lead before half-time, before Alexander Isak doubled the Magpies’ advantage after the break.

Substitute Federico Chiesa gave Liverpool hope by scoring in stoppage time, but Newcastle held on to ensure that Arne Slot’s Wembley debut and Liverpool’s cup final ended in defeat.

Standard Sport’s Dom Smith was at Wembley to rate the Liverpool players’ performances…

Caoimhin Kelleher 5

Couldn’t get near to either of Newcastle’s strikes. Did make one good save to deny Isak a second and Newcastle a third. A big call for Slot to select him ahead of Alisson.

Jarell Quansah 5

Tried to contain Harvey Barnes as best he could, with the centre-back deputising at right-back for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Virgil van Dijk 4

Far from his best performance. Had the ball pinched off him a couple of times with poor passes.

Ibrahima Konate 4

Overcame a knock to feature but found Newcastle’s attack too hot to handle. Subbed off when Liverpool needed something.

Andy Robertson 6

A fine block denied Kieran Trippier a first-half volley. One of Liverpool’s better performers.

Ryan Gravenberch 5

Has had a stellar season but was overrun by Newcastle’s physical midfield trio.

Alexis Mac Allister 4

Poor set-piece delivery, and didn’t offer much from open play. Off colour.

Dominik Szoboszlai 6

Tried to make things happen for the Reds. One of their only players making snappy passes.

Mohamed Salah 4

Went missing for Liverpool in their most important match of the season to date.

Diogo Jota 4

Replaced before the hour mark, having not led the line with any real conviction.

Luis Diaz 5

Had a couple of chances to run in behind but was largely thwarted by Newcastle’s well-organised defence.

Subs

Darwin Nunez (Jota, 56’) 4

Beaten in the air too easily in the half an hour he was on.

Curtis Jones (Konate, 56’) 5

Had two shots, one which tested Nick Pope and one which didn’t even come close.

Cody Gakpo (Mac Allister, 67’) 6

Bright when he came on.

Federico Chiesa (Gravenberch, 74’) 7

Finished well to cut the deficit in stoppage time.

Harvey Elliott (Diaz, 74’) 6

Came off the bench and produced the decisive assist for Chiesa that gave Liverpool late hope.

Not used: Alisson, Endo, Tsimikas, McConnell