Liverpool with a second consecutive draw. This time Jurgen Klopp’s boys failed to overcome Newcastle and the game at St James’ Park ended 0-0. Merseyside created a lot of situations in the second half, but the Magpies goalkeeper Karl Darlow made a series of great saves and did not allow the ball to end up in his net. The Reds remain in first place in the standings, but have a onlty three-point lead over second-placed Manchester United, who has one game less.
Steve Bruce’s team started the match aggressively and did not allow Liverpool to develop their game. The Magpies tried to put pressure on the opponent and created several dangerous situations in front of Alisson. The Liverpool goalkeeper had to intervene in the third minute after a shot by Callum Wilson. The Newcastle striker created a lot of problems for the defense of Merseysiders. In the 13th minute he dribbled pass Phillips and shot from a small angle, but Fabinho intervened decisively. The Reds were under pressure, but as they overcame Newcasle’s pressing. Sadio Mane broke away and reached the penalty area, but made a mistake with the pass. In the 25th minute he broke again from the left. The attack ended with a great pass from James Milner to Alexander-Arnold. The defender fired a volley, but the shot did not trouble Darlow.
In the second half, Liverpool raised the tempo and gradually moved the game to the opponent’s side. Mohamed Salah had a great chance to find the net, but the goalkeeper of the Magpies made a brilliant save. Twice Liverpool failed to score after attacks reached the penalty area.,but Darlow guarded his goal very well. After the break, Klopp’s team had more control over the events on the field and created enough situations. However they didn’t materialize in goals. Mane header went past the bar and Salah missed an excellent opportunity in the 67th minute.
Firmino was clear in the panalty area after a cross, but wasted a wonderful chance with a header going wide. A little later he was lost by the defense after a corner kick by Robertson. The Brazilian shot with his head,and this time the ball did not find the target. Ricochet almost brought Salah one on one against the goalkeeper, but Fernandez intervened at the right moment and managed to tackle the ball out of the feet of the Egyptian.
In the 73rd minute Thiago appeared on the field after replacing James Milner. The midfielder had not played in an official match since October 17. As the end of the match approached, the pressure for the guests increased. Newcastle could had taken the lead in the 78th minute, but Clark’s header was deflected by Alisson. The Red’s response was a quick attack in which Schar cleared the ball from the goal line.
The next opportunity was missed by Wijnaldum. He was led behind the defense, but instead of shooting he decided to pass. His attempt to find Mane was inaccurate and the chance was ruined. Good performances of the home goalkeeper continued and shortly before the end he deflected a header from Firmino, then reached the ball before Salah could shoot.
Jurgen Klopp was not that distraught by the draw and was satisfied with the play of his team. “But you can have a draw with a bad performance or a draw with a good performance, and tonight was a draw with a good performance. We just didn’t use the chances, and that’s why I am OK with the game.”, noted he in the after game interview.
Liverpool is still leader with 33 points. Last five games The Reds had three draws and Manchester United has a chance to catch up as they have one game less and 30 points at the second place.
