Liverpool Held to 3-3 Draw in St. James’ Park Thriller: Salah and Alexander-Arnold Shine
What a night it was at St. James’ Park! Liverpool and Newcastle United delivered a Premier League classic on Wednesday, ending in a dramatic 3-3 draw that had fans on the edge of their seats. But while the game itself was a spectacle, the big question on everyone’s mind is whether Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s rotation decisions cost the Reds a crucial victory. Let’s dive into the action and the talking points from this pulsating encounter.
The match began with Newcastle coming out of the gates flying. Jacob Murphy nearly gave the Magpies an early lead, hitting the post, before Alexander Isak opened the scoring with a thunderous strike past Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper, Caoimhín Kelleher. Kelleher, deputizing for the injured Alisson, redeemed himself shortly after by denying Anthony Gordon a second goal. Liverpool, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with Mohamed Salah squandering their best chance after failing to control a pass from Jarell Quansah inside the box.
After the break, Liverpool looked like a different team. Curtis Jones brought the Reds level, finishing off a brilliant ball from Salah. But Newcastle wasn’t done. Isak, who was one of the standout players for the Magpies, turned provider, setting up Gordon to restore Newcastle’s lead. However, Liverpool’s resilience shone through as Trent Alexander-Arnold, who started the game on the bench, made an immediate impact after coming on. He won back possession and delivered a pinpoint assist to Salah, who made no mistake in leveling the score once again.
Salah was simply unplayable in the second half. The Egyptian maestro hit the bar with some dazzling footwork before finally putting Liverpool ahead with a clinical finish past Nick Pope. It looked like the Reds were on their way to a hard-fought victory, but a late Newcastle free kick and a rare error from Kelleher allowed Fabian Schär to snatch a point for the hosts in the dying moments of the game.
Positives
Despite the disappointment of conceding late, there were plenty of positives for Liverpool. Salah and Alexander-Arnold were the stars of the show, delivering performances that reminded everyone why they are among the best in the world. With both players entering the final six months of their contracts, their contributions couldn’t have come at a better time for the Reds.
Negatives
On the flip side, Liverpool clearly missed the presence of Ibrahima Konaté in defense. While Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah did their best, their lack of sharpness was evident at times. Kelleher, who has been solid in Alisson’s absence, will be kicking himself for the mistake that led to Newcastle’s late equalizer. It was a rare lapse in an otherwise reliable run of performances.
Manager Rating
Arne Slot, 7 — Slot’s decision to rotate his squad raised eyebrows, but his substitutions in the second half paid off. Bringing on Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Luis Díaz turned the game in Liverpool’s favor, and the Reds looked much more dangerous after the break. However, questions will linger about whether starting his strongest XI could have secured all three points.
Player Ratings
- GK Caoimhín Kelleher, 5 — Made some key saves but will be disappointed with his error for Newcastle’s late equalizer.
- DF Andy Robertson, 6 — Supported the attack well and delivered some dangerous crosses.
- DF Virgil van Dijk, 6 — Solid defensively but could have done more to prevent Isak’s opener.
- DF Joe Gomez, 5 — Struggled at times against Isak and Gordon but made some important blocks.
- DF Jarell Quansah, 6 — Defended well overall and was unlucky not to register an assist.
- MF Ryan Gravenberch, 5 — Below his usual standards and was caught in possession too often.
- MF Alexis Mac Allister, 6 — Hit the post and played a key role in Liverpool’s equalizer but picked up a booking that rules him out of the Merseyside derby.
- MF Curtis Jones, 7 — Scored Liverpool’s first goal and was precise with his passing throughout.
- FW Cody Gakpo, 5 — Had a quiet first half but came close to scoring in the second.
- FW Darwin Núñez, 5 — Worked hard but lacked the final product in key moments.
- FW Mohamed Salah, 10 — A masterclass from the Egyptian King. Two goals, an assist, and moments of pure magic.
Substitutes
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (67’), 8 — Changed the game with his energy and creativity, assisting Salah’s second goal.
- Dominik Szoboszlai (67’), 6 — Helped stretch Newcastle’s midfield and set Liverpool’s press effectively.
- Luis Díaz (67’), 6 — Provided a spark on the left flank and looked dangerous in the box.
In the end, this was a game that had everything: goals, drama, and standout performances. But for Liverpool, it’s a case of what might have been. With the Merseyside derby against Everton looming, the Reds will need to regroup quickly. As for Newcastle, they’ll take heart from their resilience and the brilliance of players like Isak and Gordon. One thing’s for sure—this was a match that fans won’t forget anytime soon.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
