ON a hugely difficult night for Newcastle United at Anfield, there was one major positive to emerge - the performance of Martin Dubravka. The question is, what happens next?

There's been no shortage of speculation linking the Magpies with a January move for a goalkeeper since Nick Pope suffered his dislocated shoulder, with David de Gea's name cropping up again and again - though Eddie Howe has always refused to be drawn on the matter.

Whatever Howe's thinking was and is, Dubravka's outstanding display at Liverpool was a timely reminder of the 36-year-old's ability. Rarely will a goalkeeper play so well and concede four goals. On the evidence of Monday night, there are much more pressing transfer priorities - particularly in midfield - than between the posts.

"He was magnificent," admitted Howe of his keeper.

"The penalty save, a lot of other big moments he really stood up and showed what a good goalkeeper he is.

"He's a top goalkeeper, an outstanding player and he showed tonight what a good goalkeeper he is because some of those saves were of the highest level, especially the penalty save.

"He distributes the ball well as well. We're very pleased with him. That will do him the world of good."

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There was also praise for Newcastle's keeper from Jurgen Klopp. The Liverpool boss was delighted with what he described as a "special" display from his side, whose 7.27 xG was a Premier League record. Somehow from 34 shots, the dominant league leaders only managed to score four goals and Klopp said: "It was Dubravka."

The Liverpool boss added: "It was ourselves as well. There were moments when we forced it but then Dubravka made top saves as well.

"I didn't have to look at the stats because I saw us and it was really special.

"We scored twice when we squared the ball and put it in an empty goal. We didn't stop, that was the most important thing.

"I spoke recently about the atmosphere. Tonight the atmosphere was absolutely exceptional, how we all took together these missed chances, that's how is it. It was not like, 'oh my god what are they doing?', and I would understand that. Everyone was really on fire.

"We go again, we go again, we go again and we did. We scored four goals. All good."