Fabian Schar hooked in a late equaliser as impressive Newcastle held Premier League leaders Liverpool to a draw in a hugely entertaining game at St James’ Park.
The Reds thought they had done enough to secure a victory that would have maintained their nine-point lead at the top of the table after twice coming from behind before Mohamed Salah put them 3-2 ahead with seven minutes to go.
But Schar volleyed in from a free-kick that Caoimhin Kelleher came for but failed to claim to ensure a deserved point for Newcastle.
Liverpool had gone into this game on the back of an impressive defeat of defending champions Manchester City that ensured they started these midweek fixtures nine points clear at the top.
But they looked out-of-sorts against a Newcastle side who showed their intent from the outset.
Jacob Murphy issued a warning when he clipped the post with a shot, before Alexander Isak stunned the visitors with a brilliant strike from distance.
Anthony Gordon almost made it 2-0 moments later after a mistake by Joe Gomez but his shot was denied by Kelleher.
It looked like being a crucial save as Liverpool levelled early in the second half when Curtis Jones fired home a first-time strike from Salah’s cross.
But Gordon sent St James’ Park wild when he cut inside a defender before his strike squirmed past Kelleher.
However, Salah equalised with a scooped finish before slotting in what he believed would be the winner – until Schar’s late finish.
