One of the most exciting matches this season so far, Newcastle and Liverpool produced a 3-3 draw at St. James' Park in the 14th round of the Premier League, with both teams displaying their strength in a match full of goals, missed chances, and twists right until the final whistle. The result keeps Liverpool atop the table, though with a reduced lead, while Newcastle continues to prove their potential as a top contender.
Follow Playing for 90 on X (Twitter).
Intensity and balance
The game started with a bang, with Newcastle pressing hard as their fans urged them forward, creating early chances through Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak. Liverpool gradually found their rhythm, balancing up the contest with calm possession and fluid movement. Mac Allister was proving a bright spark for the Reds as he was twice denied by Nick Pope and the crossbar.
It was Newcastle who did indeed break the deadlock. In the 35th minute, Isak latched onto a pass from Bruno Guimarães before delivering a precise strike from outside the box to put the Magpies ahead. The goal revitalized the home team, who almost doubled their lead through Anthony Gordon before halftime. Only a key save from Kelleher kept the scoreline intact.
Liverpool's response in the second half was swift as
It seems the halftime break reinvigorated Liverpool as they came out aggressively, soon leveling the game. Curtis Jones, on his 150th appearance for the Reds, was at the end of a perfect pass from Mohamed Salah, coolly finishing with class to bring the match level. The goal gave Arne Slot's side hope as they kept on probing for the lead.
But Newcastle had other plans. In the 62nd minute, Anthony Gordon used his speed and skill to cut inside and slot a precise shot past Kelleher, restoring the Magpies' lead.
Salah shines and flips the script
Behind, Slot made tactical changes as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Díaz came in. The response was immediate: Alexander-Arnold found Salah in the box in the 68th minute, and cool as ice, the Egyptian equalized once more.
Salah wasn't done. In the 83rd minute, he showed why he's among the finest in the Premier League. Receiving another assist from Alexander-Arnold, Salah spun expertly in the box and sent a low strike into the net, giving Liverpool their first lead of the match.
Schär's dramatic final act
Just when it was finally settled, Newcastle had the last word. In the 90th minute, the unlikely hero was Fabian Schär as he connected with a pinpoint cross from Bruno Guimarães to equalize at the far post. It was the final twist in a game already brimming with drama.
Impact on the table
The draw leaves Liverpool at the top of the table but reduces their lead to seven points, with Chelsea and Arsenal drawing closer. For Newcastle, this was a testament to their tenacity and capabilities, even against one of the league's powerhouse teams.