Liverpool were held to a draw at St. James’ Park on Wednesday as they drew 3-3 in a dramatic Premier League match.
A bright start for the hosts saw Jacob Murphy hit the post before Alexander Isak got them in front with a powerful strike past Caoimhín Kelleher, who then denied Anthony Gordon to keep the score at 1-0. Mohamed Salah had Liverpool’s best chance of the first half, but couldn’t get Jarell Quansah’s pass under control inside of the box.
The Reds looked improved after the break and levelled the scoring when Curtis Jones added the finishing touch to Salah’s ball. Isak was one of the standouts on the night for the Magpies and made his mark again when assisting Gordon as they retook the lead, but parity was soon restored as Trent Alexander-Arnold won back possession before assisting Salah.
The Egypt international was Liverpool’s star of the second half with a sublime performance, and after he was unlucky to hit the bar following some impressive footwork, he got his side ahead with an accurate finish past Nick Pope. The Reds appeared in control of the game before a late Newcastle free kick, and a rare goalkeeping error from Kelleher allowed Fabian Schär to finish at the back post.
Positives
Liverpool responded after a slow first half, with standout performances from Salah and Alexander-Arnold, two players who will soon enter the final six months of their contract.
Negatives
Liverpool clearly missed the influence of Ibrahima Konaté at times, though both Joe Gomez and Quansah haven’t had as many opportunities to gain sharpness recently. Kelleher has been faultless since deputising for Alisson, and he will be disappointed with his error at the end of the game.
Manager rating (1-10; 10 = best)
Arne Slot, 7 — Liverpool looked improved after the second half and Slot’s substitution made an instant impact to get the game to 2-2, before eventually getting ahead. A well-managed game by the Reds’ head coach.
Player ratings
GK Caoimhín Kelleher, 5 — There was little he could do about a sublime effort from Isak, though the Liverpool goalkeeper did prevent Gordon from doubling Newcastle’s lead from a big chance in the first half. Unlucky not to keep out Newcastle’s second, but at fault for the third as the Magpies drew level in the 90th minute.
DF Andy Robertson, 6 — He looked to support the attack with forward runs at the right time, and he asked questions of the defence with some crosses into the box.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 6 — Assured and often won the ball back when challenging for it, but could have stepped up sooner to play Isak offside for the opener. A strong challenge slowed a Newcastle counter-attack at the end of the match.
DF Joe Gomez, 5 — Blocked an effort from Gordon in the second half, but then allowed him to turn on his stronger foot before he scored. Took care when transitioning the ball forwards, but struggled at times when isolated with Isak.
DF Jarell Quansah, 6 — He was deployed at right-back for Liverpool and defended well throughout, while he was also unlucky to not register an assist after a bright run and pass found Salah in a dangerous area. Could have been more aware of Gordon’s run in behind before Newcastle’s second.
MF Ryan Gravenberch, 5 — Not at his usual best on the night, and caught in possession on too many occasions. Replaced in the 67th minute by Dominik Szoboszlai.
MF Alexis Mac Allister, 6 — Unlucky with his effort in the 14th minute and then hit the post seconds later. Unlocked Salah down the right flank before Liverpool’s equaliser. Booked harshly for a foul that didn’t have much in it, which means he will miss the Merseyside derby against Everton at the weekend.
MF Curtis Jones, 7 — Precise with passing and tried to get things moving in the right direction. Found Salah with a well-placed ball in the first half. Timed his run perfectly in the 50th minute before connecting with Salah’s pass to finish past Pope.
FW Cody Gakpo, 5 — Uninvolved in the first half outside of some positive work in the box, but saw his effort blocked after cutting inside. Threatened the goal with a volley in the second half to force a corner, and then headed across goal but narrowly missed Darwin Núñez at the back post.
FW Darwin Núñez, 5 — His end product could have been better when leading Liverpool counter-attacks, with his pass to Salah placed behind the Egypt international. Close to getting Liverpool in front at the back post but was a fraction of a second late to Gakpo’s pass.
FW Mohamed Salah, 10 — It’s not quite clear how Salah prepared for the second half, but that was one of the best 45 minutes of his Liverpool career. Two goals and an assist, along with a magical moment with elite footwork before hitting an effort off the bar.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Gomez, 67′) 8 — Made an instant impact when coming on, winning back possession before making a smart run down the line and assisting Salah for Liverpool’s second equaliser of the match. Booked for his first foul of the match against Gordon.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Gravenberch, 67′) 6 — Was deployed in an advanced role. Set Liverpool’s press well and stretched Newcastle’s midfield with intelligent runs.
Luis Díaz (Gakpo, 67′) 6 — Worked hard on the left flank and provided a boost to Liverpool counter-attacks. Always looked to beat his marker and was bright in the box, cutting inside on his right foot before working efforts at goal.
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