What Newcastle defender said speaks volumes as Liverpool draw shows FSG plan must alter

The disappointment on the faces of Liverpool players as they left the pitch told its own story. Despite twice taking the lead, they were unable to secure victory and had to settle for a 3-3 draw against Newcastle United in what was their toughest test of the season so far.

The defeat to Nottingham Forest, where a disciplined defence capitalised on a late counter-attack, is a fate that can befall any team, but this match posed bigger questions for a Liverpool side fresh from impressive wins over Real Madrid and Manchester City.

While this draw won’t dent their Premier League title ambitions, it served as a stark reminder that they won’t have everything their own way between now and May.

For some, the team’s mental strength, resilience and attitude are reasons for optimism. However, others may be concerned by the shaky defence and discomfort under the pressure of a passionate home crowd.

With Arsenal and Chelsea both securing victories, Liverpool’s lead at the top has been cut to seven points, reminding everyone that the title race is far from over.

The absence of Diogo Jota, Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas and Federico Chiesa, who scored for the Under-21s on Wednesday night, was keenly felt. This was perhaps the first time Arne Slot may have lamented his injury list.

The Reds have been plagued by injuries for too long now. The fact that three of their first-choice back five were missing from the pitch – not including Tsimikas, who is as close to being a regular starter as he has ever been at Anfield – highlighted how stretched the squad is.

In what could be considered the worst 45 minutes of the season, Liverpool struggled to get out of their own half, pinned back by Newcastle’s aggression and energy. Eddie Howe’s men had the visitors flustered, with the right side of the back four, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez, struggling to cope.

Ryan Gravenberch was a shadow of the composed, press-resistant midfielder he has been all season, frequently losing possession in dangerous areas. The Dutchman has been outstanding but there is a risk of overusing him and a rest after Everton is essential.

Newcastle United took a well-deserved lead with Alexander Isak delivering a powerful strike past Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, following an impressive assist from Bruno Guimaraes. Alexis Mac Allister, who was instrumental in the goal, received a booking which rules him out of the upcoming Merseyside derby.

With Harvey Elliott still regaining match fitness and Wataru Endo largely sidelined, Mac Allister’s absence is a significant blow for the Reds. The decision to play Quansah at right-back didn’t pay off, as he struggled against the attacking prowess of former Everton winger Anthony Gordon.

However, the second half saw a revitalised Liverpool side equalise through Curtis Jones, thanks to a clever pass from Mohamed Salah. Gordon then put Newcastle ahead, only for Salah to steal the limelight once again after Trent Alexander-Arnold was brought on, adding much-needed quality in the final third.

Alexander-Arnold’s superb ball across the face allowed Salah to score his 12th goal of the season. Another cut-back from the vice-captain seemed to secure a win after an impressive swivel and finish past Nick Pope.

At some point, which we may have already passed, the concept of financial prudence and long-term strategic planning must be abandoned when players as unique as Salah are eager to stay at your football club. Fenway Sport Group’s self-sustaining model imposed on Liverpool must make a special exception for Salah, who can legitimately claim to be the world’s best player at the moment.

His performance levels aren’t expected to plummet anytime soon, so a compromise, no matter how expensive, must be found. This time, sporting ambition must take precedence over hard-nosed business.

The arguments against offering top scorer Salah a new contract are dwindling with each game. Once again, he was Liverpool’s key player, providing an assist for Jones and scoring two goals himself.

The disappointment on the visitors’ faces was most evident on his as he walked down the tunnel. He, perhaps more than anyone else, wants to win this title in what seems to be his final campaign.

Surely, it can’t come to that?

Although the Reds staged a remarkable comeback, Newcastle’s Fabian Schar caught them off guard, levelling the score after a long punt from Guimaraes slipped past Kelleher – the Ireland international’s first error since taking over from Alisson two months prior. Criticising Kelleher for the mistake would be unfair, just as lamenting the loss of three points would be.

The players’ post-match reactions spoke volumes. A Newcastle player succinctly summed up the chaotic match as he exited the pitch, with Tino Livramento aptly remarking: “What a game, wow! ” Indeed, it’s on to the next challenge against Everton.