Former defender Jamie Carragher has explained why Newcastle United's Allan Saint-Maximin was handed the 'Player of the Match' over Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
The Reds ended their recent torrid away form with an assured win over the Magpies thanks to first-half goals from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo. There were chances to add to their lead with Martin Dubravka forced to tip the Uruguayan's low effort round the post with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota all going close.
Meanwhile at the other end, it was the ever-reliable Brazilian who maintained Liverpool's clean sheet as he made countless important saves - including one which saw the Frenchman's effort pushed onto the bar after he fashioned some space in the penalty area.
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Although it wasn't enough to scoop the 'Player of the Match' award from Sky Sports and the co-commentator, as the Newcastle winger picked up the prize. To no surprise, many Liverpool fans were quick to make their feelings heard to their former defender over his decision to give it to Saint-Maximin.
Carragher responded to one query with an honest answer: "It was probably Alisson but I felt ASM showed real fight & kept us on the back foot.
"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 praised the Liverpool number one after he made a diving save late on to deny Callum Wilson one-on-one. "He comes to the rescue yet again. He’s one of the world’s best, there’s no doubt, and they’ve needed him to be that today.
"There’s no way Liverpool would be getting three points - whether Newcastle had 10 men or 11 men - [without Alisson]."
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