Newcastle scored their equalizer in the 90th minute to earn a deserved point at the end of the exhausting encounter
By Kehinde Okeowo
Newcastle held Premier League leaders, Liverpool to a 3-3 draw in an enthralling match played at St James’ Park.
The hosts bossed the majority of the first half and were rewarded in the 35th minute when Alexander Isak, who was a fitness doubt before the game, powered a strike past Kelleher to give his side 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.
The Reds after trailing twice led for the first time thanks to a double from the ever-reliable Mohamed Salah, and looked set to extend their winning run in the league to five games.
But Fabian Schar’s 90th-minute equalizer earned Newcastle a deserved point at the end of an exhausting encounter.
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Newcastle boss, Eddie Howe speaking on Amazon Prime after the match said, “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 that’s 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, it’s our best of the season. Our game plan was to be ourselves which is difficult against a team like Liverpool, it’s a delicate balance.
“Alexander Isak was really good tonight, if we get our players firing we are some team.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s boss, Slot, refused to blame his goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher after his error led to a goal.
“He has done remarkably well for us and even today he was good for us. Unfortunately, he misjudged the situation.” he said.
When asked about Salah’s future after the game he said: “It’s difficult for me to predict the long-term future, but the only thing I can expect or predict is that he is in a very good place at the moment.”