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Newcastle United 0-0 Liverpool: Reds lose points but end 2020 three points clear
Liverpool were frustrated when they lost Premier League points at Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Liverpool will finish 2020 three points clear at the top of the Premier League, but were frustrated after a goalless draw with Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side monopolized possession and seized the best opportunities at St James’ Park, but against an energetic Newcastle side a winner eluded them.
Liverpool’s three forwards of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane had chances, only to find Karl Darlow in inspired form in Newcastle’s goal.
It was the first 0-0 between the two teams since 1974 and it left Liverpool three points ahead of second-placed Manchester United, who had played one more game.
Finish level at St James’ Park.
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 30, 2020
Newcastle got off to a brilliant start when Callum Wilson looked at an early header and then passed Nathaniel Phillips, but saw his goal shot from a tight angle blocked by Fabinho.
The Reds slowly found their rhythm and Salah beat Newcastle’s offside trap, but Darlow stepped off his line to reduce the angle and push the ball superbly.
The fit Darlow produced another brilliant jump save to keep Firmino’s header off at the halftime break.
Mané’s header from the near post cut through the side net moments after the break, while Salah fired wide from a good position after Firmino released him shortly after the hour.
Klopp brought in midfielder Thiago Alcantara in the 73rd minute, but Liverpool needed goalkeeper Alisson to make a good save to clear Ciaran Clark’s header on Matt Ritchie’s free kick.
The Reds seemed more likely to fine a winner at the end and Fabian Schar hooked the ball off the line with Mane lurking with 10 minutes to go.
However, Steve Bruce’s team rolled up their sleeves and Darlow made another late save from Firmino to end a five-game losing streak against Liverpool.
What does that mean? Reds face title removal
Liverpool finished 2019 with a 13-point lead on top after 19 games, but their lead this time, although they have played four fewer games, is much smaller.
The Reds took the title last season, but results like these underscore the challenge they face this period.
Newcastle love to play the champions at St James’ Park and are now undefeated in their last five Premier League home games against the reigning champions (they won two, drew three).
Great sale.
Well played, @fabianschaer! pic.twitter.com/5t8LoLxQUo
– Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 30, 2020
Defiant Darlow denies the Reds
Newcastle failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 11 Premier League home games before this meeting.
That they managed to shut out the Premier League champions was largely due to the performance of Darlow, who made four excellent saves and was a calm presence throughout.
Sadio fights in the Toon
Mane had been directly involved in seven goals in his previous eight away games in the top flight (six goals, one assist), but was below his best here.
The Senegalese forward failed to register a single shot on goal and struggled to find his teammates often enough, with 75.6% complete passes, the second worst among all Liverpool players.
Whats Next?
Liverpool will start 2021 with a trip to Southampton next Monday, while Newcastle will play the day before when Leicester City is the visitor to St James’ Park.
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