Liverpool FC 3-1 Newcastle: Grading Steven Gerrard, Craig Bellamy and Teammates

Going into this game, Liverpool were unbeaten in 16 English Premier League games against Newcastle United.

They made it 17 with a 3-1 win over Newcastle United. 

What a pathetic performance from Andy Carroll. What grade did I give him? What would you give him?

Here are the grades for Kenny Dalglish's players. 

Don't hesitate to comment below with your opinion. 

Goalkeeper: Pepe Reina

Grade: B

Pepe Reina didn't make a save, but he was beaten twice. 

Martin Škrtel's goal-line clearance ensured Newcastle United only scored once. 

Right-Back: Glen Johnson

Grade: B-

No one ever questions Glen Johnson's attacking output. Today, he managed to pass the ball 80 times.

It's his defensive duties which are a worry. He lost out on three of his five tackles and only intercepted the ball once. 

Jonás Gutiérrez, being the defensive minded winger he is, luckily wasn't there to exploit Johnson. 

Centre-Back: Martin Škrtel

Grade: A

If not for Martin Škrtel's goal-saving clearance in the 70th minute, the game could have been so different. 

He intercepted the ball twice and blocked a shot. 

Centre-Back: Daniel Agger

Grade: B+

Daniel Agger had Demba Ba in his pocket up until the 70th minute, when the Dane was ball watching and Ba had got in behind and almost scored.

Well, he would have if not for Martin Škrtel's bravery. 

Agger's elegant passing was once again on show. His dribbling ability is something Jay Spearing wishes he had. 

Who drew the foul from Cheick Tioté that led to Craig Bellamy scoring? Agger. 

He was unlucky to score an own goal. 

Left-Back: José Enrique

Grade: A

How nice was Gabriel Obertan? 

He didn't put in a single cross, didn't make a single pass into Liverpool's penalty box and didn't once beat beat José Enrique off the dribble. 

Then again, maybe it's not Obertan's lack of quality but more Enrique's prowess as a full-back. The Spaniard won all four of his tackles and was a constant source of attack down the left flank. 

My only slight criticism is that he needs to produce. If he can efficiently produce assists and goals then he'll transition into a world class left-back. 

Not bad for £5.5 million.

Right Winger: Stewart Downing

Grade: D

Another nothing game from Stewart Downing.

What's the point in getting into good positions if you cannot convert? Downing had a hapless and injured Ryan Taylor in fits, yet where was the assist or goal from him?

So wasteful. 

In the 92nd minute, with Tim Krul retreating to his line and Andy Carroll free in front of the goal by himself, why didn't Downing pass? 

Defensive Midfielder: Jay Spearing

Grade: B+

Jay Spearing is a clone of Lucas. 

Run, tackle, run, tackle and repeat. 

Spearing demonstrated some competency when executing more difficult passes.

For example, he made an excellent diagonal pass in the 39th minute and again in the 89th minute.

I had to rub my eyes just to check if it was in fact Spearing, which it was. 

He reacted well to a nasty Yohan Cabaye's studding by soldiering on. 

Centre Midfielder: Jordan Henderson

Grade: B

Jordan Henderson drifted in and out of the game. 

28/38 passes indicates security, yet he needs to impact the game like Steven Gerrard. 

Henderson is a gifted player who can make Gerrard-esque passes but is afraid of turning the ball over. 

When he does play without fear, he has the ability to cut open a defence, like he did by assisting Steven Gerrard's goal. 

Centre Midfielder: Charlie Adam

Grade: D

Of Charlie Adam's 35 passes, only one was a successful forward pass. 

That's amazing. 

By constantly giving the ball away—I've stressed this before—games are lost on turnovers. 

Fourteen times he turned the ball over. 

Left Winger: Craig Bellamy

Grade: A+

Great game. 

Two goals, always making runs, passionate and a team player. 

In three starts at left wing, Bellamy has scored four goals. 

Centre Forward: Andy Carroll

Grade: D-

In the 53rd minute, Andy Carroll pushed Michael Williamson from behind to win a header, but he headed it away from goal. 

Even though referee Lee Probert spotted the foul, that play summed up Carroll's night. 

For a player who once scored 11 goals in 20 games, his positional awareness is shocking. It's as if he downed a shot of Caribou Lou before playing. 

In the 62nd minute, Steven Gerrard delivered a perfect cross, yet Carroll couldn't get in front of Williamson, who, going into this game, had only played one Premier League match.

Two minutes later, Gerrard split the defence open with a magnificent ball over Newcastle United's defence, and Carroll couldn't control the ball when he was right in front of Tim Krul. 

Gerrard again provided a sumptuous cross out on the right to which Carroll's headed effort ricocheted off the bar. 

Why didn't I give him an F? He did hit the bar. 

Substitutes: Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt

Steven Gerrard: A+

Class. He would have had two assists if Andy Carroll was in decent form. Another assist was robbed when Carroll hit the bar. So instead of squaring it for Carroll, who wasn't even in position, Gerrard somehow scored from an acute angle. 

Dirk Kuyt: N/A

Twenty minutes isn't enough to judge. He made 12/16 passes, but only one was a forward pass. He intercepted the ball once. 

Your Opinion

What overall grade would you give to Liverpool tonight?

How bad was Andy Carroll? How good was Steven Gerrard?

Please read 12 January Targets for Kenny Dalglish. 

Pepe Reina	B
Glen Johnson	B-
Martin Škrtel	A
Daniel Agger	B+
José Enrique	A
Stewart Downing	D
Jay Spearing	B+
Jordan Henderson	B
Charlie Adam	D
Craig Bellamy	A+
Andy Carroll	D-
Steven Gerrard	A+