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Liverpool and Newcastle United played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at St. James Park in the Premier League on Wednesday, December 4. The result sees the Reds remain top with 35 points from 14 games, while the Magpies are 10th with 20 points from the same number of matches.
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Liverpool made a good start to the game as they looked to keep the ball for extended spells. Newcastle started well too, staying tight to their opponents and keeping a compact shape. As a result, the Reds were kept at bay quite effectively by their hosts despite them having 61% possession. They also managed just one shot on target from five attempts in the first half.
Newcastle, on the other hand, made the most of the limited possession they were afforded. A moment of magic from Alexander Isak to beat Virgil van Dijk gave the Swede shooting space, and he fired a shot into the top corner to make it 1-0 after 35 minutes. Bruno Guimaraes provided the assist for the goal as the Magpies played well to successfully preserve their lead heading into half-time.
The game burst into life in the second half as Liverpool got back on level terms just five minutes after the restart. Mohamed Salah assisted Curtis Jones for 1-1 as the Reds looked to capitalize on their momentum. However, Newcastle struck back and regained their advantage as Isak assisted Anthony Gordon to put the hosts 2-1 ahead after 62 minutes.
Arne Slot's decision to bring on Trent Alexander-Arnold seemed to have been a master stroke as the Englishman made an instant impact. He assisted Salah's goal after 68 minutes to bring Liverpool on level terms for the second time. Alexander-Arnold then provided another assist for the Egyptian as he made it a brace in the 83rd minute to put the Reds 3-2 in front.
However, Newcastle did not give up and found a last-ditch equalizer. Guimaraes bagged his second assist of the night from a free-kick that was bundled in at the far post by Fabian Schar. The Magpies and Liverpool shared the points after a breath taking 3-3 result.
On that note, let's take a look at the Reds' player ratings.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Caiomhin Keller - 6/10
He made three saves but also made an error that cost Liverpool a goal in a rather disappointing performance.
Jarell Quansah - 7/10
Quansah had a decent game as he won seven duels in defence, making three clearances, one interception and one last-man tackle as well.
Joe Gomez - 6/10
Gomez had a poor game as he made two errors that led to Newcastle getting direct chances to shoot. He was also dispossessed six times.
Virgil van Dijk - 6.5/10
Van Dijk was left in an awkward situation as Isak dribbled past him with ease for Newcastle's first goal. However, he won four of five duels, making six clearances and three interceptions.
Andrew Robertson - 6.5/10
Robertson had a decent game on the left flank as he won two duels and made four clearances.
Ryan Gravenberch - 6/10
Gravenberch put in a subpar performance for Liverpool in the middle of the park as he was dispossessed nine times and was also booked.
Curtis Jones - 7.5/10
Jones scored a lovely goal following sharp movement in the box to get on the end of Salah's driven cross. He also won seven duels and played one key pass.
Alexis Mac Allister - 7.5/10
Mac Allister had a good game in midfield for the Reds. He played two key passes, won 10 duels and also hit the woodwork with one of his three shots on goal.
Mohamed Salah - 9.5/10
Salah showed great desire to keep his team in front against Newcastle as he grabbed one assist and two goals. He also played two other key passes and won two duels as well.
Cody Gakpo - 6.5/10
Gakpo started the match and put in a decent defensive performance as he won five duels and also made one clearance.
Darwin Nunez - 5.5/10
Nunez missed a sitter among three shots off-target, and was also booked in a poor performance.
Substitutes
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 8/10
The Englishman came on and made a huge difference as he assisted both of Salah's goals with good passes.
Dominik Szoboszlai - 6/10
He replaced Gravenberch but could not make an impact on the proceedings.
Luis Diaz - 6.5/10
He replaced Gakpo but could not make much of an impact on the proceedings.
