Liverpool returned to Premier League action last night with a trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United, with the club coming out of the game with a frustrating 1-1 draw after rueing a bountiful of missed chances.
The Reds started the game on the front foot and dominated possession throughout the first half – with youngster Nat Phillips dominating in defence alongside Fabinho after a few Newcastle chances that were kept at bay by the defence and Alisson.
Chances came for the club with Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino both getting the best opportunities of the first half with Salah’s 1v1 effort producing a fantastic save from Magpies keeper Karl Darlow whose fingertip stop kept the score at 0-0. Just before the end of the second half, Brazilian forward Firmino’s header after an Andy Robertson cross was met by another big save from Darlow who managed to push the ball around the post before the half time whistle.
The second half didn’t see much of a change with the Reds still struggling to get off the mark in the final third and Newcastle holding firm at the back – with them producing some of their best defending this season.
Who was your MOTM vs Newcastle?
Alisson
Nat Phillips
Fabinho
Andy Robertson
It was a frustrating performance throughout most of the game with it appearing as though there were wasted chances galore and whether that was down to a lack of quality or just misfortune, you just can’t tell. There were many instances during the game where I think we should have easily taken the lead and kicked off the scoring during the game but it just never seemed to materialise.
The creativity certainly wasn’t missing from the side, with both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson proving their passing ability and their chance creation with a multitude of opportunities but the forward line failing to convert and it seemed to be the tale of the whole game.
Credit where it is due, however, the Toon were fantastic in defence, and the central pairing of Fabian Schär and Federico Fernandez really dominated the 12-yard box alongside a performance of his lifetime from Darlow between the sticks.
The result has left Jurgen Klopp’s side three points clear at the top of the table and with a draw in their last game of 2020- and sets them up for a trip to Southampton on Monday 4th January.
What do you think Liverpool fans, were you frustrated with the result tonight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below…