Liverpool were pegged back by Fabian Schars late equaliser as Newcastle held the Premier League leaders to a thrilling 3-3 draw at St James Park. Mohamed Salah was looking like the hero again for Liverpool after his late double saw the league leaders come from behind twice to lead Newcastle until the 90th minute.
However, Caoimhin Kellehers late error allowed Schar to grab a share of the spoils for Eddie Howes side as Liverpool dropped points in the race for the title. As it happened | Teams | Match statsLive Premier League table | Watch free PL highlightsStream the Premier League with NOWNewcastle did put Liverpool to the sword for the majority of the first half and they were rewarded when Alexander Isak, who was a fitness doubt before the game, powered a strike past Kelleher to give the hosts a deserved lead.
Liverpool were looking flat and had work to do at the break but whatever Arne Slot said to his players did the trick. From out of nothing, Salahs pass picked out Curtis Jones, who swept the ball past Nick Pope for the equaliser.
Just moments later, Liverpool should have been ahead. Cody Gakpos header dropped wide of the far post but Darwin Nunez couldnt apply a touch to put the visitors in front. It proved a costly miss as Liverpool were behind again midway through the second half.
Isak sent Anthony Gordon into the penalty area and the former Everton player squeezed the ball past Kelleher. Newcastle had the ball in the net again but Isak was offside before Liverpool showed their title credentials again.
Salah was the saviour once more, popping up to convert substitute Trent Alexander-Arnolds cross to bring the scores level again. For so long, it looked like Liverpool might not get anything from the game but Salah produced the goods, sweeping the ball into the far corner to give his side the lead for the first time in the game with his 15th goal of the season.
Slots side looked to be heading for a huge three points in the race for the title but in the 90th minute, Gordons free-kick floated over Kellehers head as he left it for what he thought was going to be a goal kick.
However, Schar stole in at the far post and produced a remarkable finish to keep the title race interesting. Wins for Chelsea and Arsenal on Wednesday have cut Liverpools lead down from nine to seven point, while Man Citys win against Nottingham Forest stopped their rot.
Pep Guardiolas side are now nine points behind the Liverpool. Slot on Salah: We hope Salah can continue this for a long timeLiverpool boss Arne Slot to Amazon Prime: I have mixed feelings. We were outstanding in the second half but we were not good enough in the first half.
Maybe 3-3 is what the game deserved. They were really aggressive and forced us into mistakes but we were so much better in the second half. I knew the game could be changed around, we were much better with the ball.
After the week we had we could change the game which is a very positive thing to take. Every time we need Mo Salah he scores a goal. We are hoping and expecting he can continue this for a long time. He was outstanding in the second half, he did many special things for us.
A good point but Liverpool will be disappointedClinton Morrison on Soccer Special: Liverpool will be kicking themselves. Kelleher is a brilliant young goalkeeper and is getting better with every game, but he makes an error.
He doesnt see Schar behind him. But full credit to Schar, the finish is outrageous. What a superb finish. Liverpool will be disappointed to not come away with all three points, especially after getting back into the game.
But Newcastle were outstanding on the night. It was a brilliant game of football with two really good teams going at it. When you have Salah in your team you have class. When they look at this game down the line, its a good point.
But they will be disappointed to not have all three. Howe: Newcastles mental quality came to foreNewcastle boss Eddie Howe on Amazon Prime: How do I feel? Positive, that was much better from us. You know with the quality Liverpool have off the bench we could have an issue and thats what happened.
But our mental quality came to the fore and we got the equaliser. We had chances to make it 2-0, we scored three goals and looked dynamic and energetic. I am really proud. We went toe-to-toe and matched them, its our best of the season.
Our game plan was to be ourselves which is difficult against a team like Liverpool, its a delicate balance. Alexander Isak was really good tonight, if we get our players firing we are some team. Story of the match in stats.
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