Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has explained why Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United was named ‘Player of the Match’ over Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker..
Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo scored in the first half to give the Reds a comfortable win over the Magpies, capping off their recent poor away form. Martin Dubravka was forced to tip the Uruguayan’s low effort round the post, and Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Diogo Jota all went close.
Meanwhile, at the other end, it was the ever-dependable Brazilian who kept Liverpool’s clean sheet, making numerous crucial saves, including one that saw the Frenchman’s effort pushed onto the bar after he created some space in the penalty area..
Although it wasn’t enough to win the ‘Player of the Match’ award from Sky Sports and the co-commentator, the Newcastle winger did. Many Liverpool fans were quick to express their displeasure with their former defender’s decision to give it to Saint-Maximin.
“It was probably Alisson, but I felt ASM showed real fight and kept us on the back foot,” Carragher replied to one question.
“I called Ali the best in the world so I’m sure he’ll get over not getting the champers!!”.
“I’ve said from the early part of the first half, Liverpool’s goalkeeper has been their best player,” Carragher said after a diving save late in the game to deny Callum Wilson one-on-one. “He comes to the rescue once more. He’s without a doubt one of the best in the world, and they’ve needed him to be that today.
“Without Alisson, Liverpool would not have gotten three points, whether Newcastle had 10 or 11 men.
Leave a Reply