Smoking Sterling downs Toon - Player Ratings

Player Ratings by Joel Tracy

Following an FA Cup quarterfinal victory that came on the heels of a pair of devastating losses to Manchester United and Arsenal, Liverpool entered Monday's match against Newcastle on the verge of a semifinal trip to Wembley - and potentially on the verge of falling short of a crucial Top Four finish. In their 2-0 victory, the Reds demonstrated a blend of qualities that could bring success in their two-pronged run-in, as well as the weaknesses that might be their undoing.

While the form of their visitors must be taken into account, the Reds-arrayed in a reshuffled 4-3-3 formation - pressed with industry and intelligence, attacked with a dangerous combination of movement and vision, and benefitted from some excellent shot-stopping (as well as a bit of luck) in keeping themselves within four points of a free-falling Manchester City. Persistent wastefulness, however, and a disjointed defense are weaknesses Liverpool may well pay for if they aren't rectified during the coming weeks.

Simon Mignolet: 8 The Belgian was rarely tested, but each time he came under pressure he met the challenge with skill and authority. A leaping save at his top right-hand corner was the highlight, but a few strong punches and some well-held saves off Newcastle's long-range efforts helped secure the keeper's twelfth clean sheet in the League this season.

Glen Johnson: 6 With one foot out the door, the Englishman has enjoyed a brief run in the team, displaying an array of qualities that made him both England's first choice right back and a source of frustration for Reds supporters over the past few years. Some nice touches helped the home side keep possession, while he got forward well on occasion. Typical lapses-both in and out possession-plagued his performance, however.

Emre Can: 7 After impressing on the right of a back three, the German was deployed in the centre of a four-man defence, where he acquitted himself well. Had a relatively quiet night at the back - apart from being stamped on by his central defensive partner Lovren - while he made a few trademark forays forward, including a dangerous cross from a Raheem Sterling flick, leading to Allen's goal.

Dejan Lovren: 5 Somehow got away with an inexcusably sloppy challenge inside the area that could have levelled the score. Along with a poor headed pass that gifted the visitors possession in a dangerous area, a free header blasted over the bar and a clumsy stamp on his central defensive partner, that challenge was just the latest in the tragedy of errors that has comprised the Croatian's young Liverpool career.

Alberto Moreno: 7 The Spaniard built on the improvement he showed at Ewood Park, appearing much more comfortable in a traditional back four than in a wingback role. While his attacking impact was limited, the fullback stretched the Newcastle defence with a few dangerous runs forward and was tidy - and heavily involved - in possession. A performance Reds supporters will hope is a harbinger of things to come for the talented youngster.

Lucas Leiva: 8 A vintage performance for Liverpool's former player of the season. The Brazilian won a whopping ten tackles with a combination of savvy anticipation and thunderous execution. His contributions in possession were nearly as impressive, completing 90% of his team-leading 86 passes, while springing the home side's counterattack with a series of precise, positive through balls. A better team, however, would have a made the hosts pay with the stretches of possession surrendered at times when Lucas failed to adequately protect the backline.

Joe Allen: 6 In a return to a three-man midfield, the Welshman helped key a suffocating press with his energy and intelligence in the middle of the park. Allen, however, left his defence vulnerable at times, particularly in the opening stages of the second half and his passing was well below his usual standard-particularly given the lack of pressure supplied by the visitors. Twice the midfielder could conjure neither the skill nor the vision to make something of possession inside the Newcastle area, but on his third try Allen put away a well-taken goal to secure the three points.

Jordan Henderson: 8 The skipper, often lauded for his work rate showed he was much more than a workhorse, displaying his burgeoning playmaking abilities. Whether on set plays-the likes of which were spurned by a narrowly offside Lucas and a misfiring Sterling-or from open play, where he threaded what is becoming a trademark diagonal pass from deep to set up the latter's opener, the Englishman showcased his pinpoint delivery. His industry was key in the pressing game as well, although he must share blame, along with the rest of the midfield trio, for the side's at times weak underbelly.

Jordon Ibe: 6 Well-marshalled by Anita along Newcastle's left flank, the youngster had a very limited impact on the match. His one contribution of note was a well off-target shot, settling for a low-angle right-footed shot at the end of a tunnel vision run. To be fair, his pace and running stretched the away defence, opening up space for Henderson and Johnson behind him, but this was not the performance Rodgers must have hoped for after heaping praise on the youngster in the buildup to the match.

Philippe Coutinho: 8 The Brazilian dazzled in an unfamiliar false nine role, displaying his brilliant balance and skill with an array of slalom-like dribbles and intricate flicks. For all his shine, however, the little magician failed to offer the substance needed to capitalise on his side's dominance of the ball. His teammates let him down at times - particularly when Raheem Sterling failed to run onto an unselfish low cross at the end of a skilful run from the Brazilian - but on a night when his dribbling was inspired, Coutinho's passing, shooting and decision-making lacked the cutting edge this side so sorely needs.

Raheem Sterling: 8 The under-fire attacker opened the scoring with a deft touch, slippery run and a classy side-footed finish. His composure seemed to desert him afterward, as he spurned multiple opportunities to add to his tally with the goal left gaping. However - contract demands and extracurricular activities notwithstanding - the kid ran his socks off-tracking back to dispossess the visitors and keying a relentless press from the Redmen. On a night when his finishing was inconsistent, Sterling's work rate was anything but.

Fabio Borini: 6 The Italian's industry and movement were typically solid, but - as a heavy touch on his best chance of the evening revealed - his attacking impact leaves much to be desired. A fine substitution to see out a victory, but he's not the first player Reds fans want brought on if the side are chasing a goal.

Rickie Lambert: No Rating (came on in the 89th minute).

Joel Tracy

@RambleOnReds