Liverpool were denied all three points at St James’ Park as Fabian Schar’s dramatic late equaliser secured Newcastle a thrilling 3-3 draw against the Premier League leaders. Mohamed Salah appeared destined to be Liverpool’s savior yet again with a brilliant double, but a costly error from Caoimhin Kelleher in the dying moments handed Eddie Howe’s side a share of the spoils and added another twist to the title race.
Newcastle dominated the opening stages, and their early pressure paid off when Alexander Isak, who had been a pre-match fitness doubt, fired a powerful strike past Kelleher to give the hosts a deserved lead. Liverpool struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with Newcastle pressing relentlessly and creating chances, leaving Arne Slot’s side looking out of sorts as they went into halftime trailing.
Whatever Slot said at the break seemed to spark his team into life. Liverpool found an equaliser out of nowhere when Salah, always at the heart of their attacking threat, played a precise pass to Curtis Jones, who coolly finished past Nick Pope. Moments later, the visitors nearly went ahead as Cody Gakpo’s header drifted wide, and Darwin Nunez narrowly missed the chance to put the finishing touch on the move.
Liverpool’s wastefulness proved costly as Newcastle regained the lead midway through the second half. Isak’s clever pass sent Anthony Gordon into the box, and the former Everton winger squeezed the ball past Kelleher to restore the home side’s advantage. Newcastle thought they had extended their lead when Isak found the net again, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The drama was far from over. Liverpool once again displayed their title credentials as Salah stepped up to level the game, converting a pinpoint cross from substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Egyptian talisman wasn’t done yet, delivering a brilliant finish into the far corner to give Liverpool their first lead of the match and take his tally to 15 goals for the season.
It seemed as though Liverpool would hold on for a crucial win to extend their lead at the top of the table, but Newcastle had other plans. In the 90th minute, Gordon’s free-kick floated towards the back post, catching Kelleher off guard as he misjudged it, expecting it to go out for a goal kick. Schar seized the opportunity, sneaking in at the far post to fire home a stunning equaliser and keep the title race wide open.
The result leaves Liverpool frustrated, as they dropped valuable points in their pursuit of the Premier League crown, while Newcastle will celebrate a hard-earned point that showcased their resilience and determination.
