Newcastle United 3-3 Liverpool: ‘Fair Result’ Claims Former Midfielder

Liverpool fans will have mixed feelings as their side dropped valuable points in the Premier League title race at St. James’ Park. Newcastle United held the Reds to a 3-3 draw, where a last minute equaliser by Fabian Schar denied Mohamed Salah’s world-class heroics, which looked sure to have completed the comeback for Arne Slot’s side.

Despite the frustrations, Liverpool can find comfort in their nine-point lead over Manchester City as well as the seven-point gap separating themselves from both Arsenal and Chelsea.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jermaine Pennant spoke exclusively to Anfield Index, courtesy of  Casino Apps, who provided his thoughts on the game…

‘Typical’ Newcastle United Clash

“It was a typical Newcastle vs Liverpool game,” began Pennant, “How many times have seen 4-3 or a 3-2 win with late goals? It’s crazy.” Liverpool’s trip to St. James’ Park was always going to be an intriguing clash, but not many would’ve expected a six point thriller where both sides would be left with contrasting thoughts post-match.

The last five meetings between the two sides have produced a total of 20 goals, with 12 of those coming in the past two meetings.

Liverpool’s ‘Slow Starts’: Cause for Concern?

“As we’ve seen a few times so far this season, Liverpool can take until the second half to really step up their games,” said Pennant. The Reds were trailing 1-0 at half-time against Newcastle and some would even suggest that it was their worst performance of the season before half-time.

Arne Slot’s side have been leading at half-time in 12 out of their 21 games across all competitions this season. However, they have done so in just two out of their last nine games. This isn’t a huge problem when you’re still winning games, but it does add value to Pennant’s obversvations.

‘Fantastic’ Kelleher Makes Rare Mistake

“Kelleher has been fantastic for Liverpool,” continued Pennant, “But that one last-minute lapse in concentration cost them all three points.” In a game where Liverpool were far from their best, Salah had seemingly spared their blushes once again with a brilliant brace to flip the game on its head.

With just minutes to go, Newcastle floated a free-kick into the box and seemingly into the grasp of Kelleher. Bizarrely, Kelleher pulled away at the last moment, leaving Schar an open goal to slide and knock the ball into.

However, as Pennant points out, Kelleher has been ‘fantastic’ this season and even made some crucial saves against Newcastle that kept the Reds in the game at points.

‘Fair Result’

“I think at 1-0 down, we would’ve all taken a point,” began Pennant, “Newcastle is a hard place to go to.” Both of Liverpool’s title rivals also struggled at St. James’ Park, it’s important to note. Man City were held to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season, while Arsenal came away empty handed after a 1-0 defeat.

The real frustration will be the defensive issues, making it five goals conceded in Liverpool’s last two Premier League away games.

“Conceding late definitely hurts, but it was probably a fair result,” finished Pennant.

It’s crucial for Liverpool to build on that point though, as they face Everton in the last Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park on Saturday. Should the Reds come away with all three points from that one, then seven points out of nine against Man City, Newcastle and Everton, wouldn’t be all too bad…