Schar punishes Kelleher blunder as Newcastle hold Liverpool in thriller

Liverpool’s seven-game winning run came to a dramatic end as Fabian Schar’s last-gasp equaliser forced the Premier League leaders to settle for a thrilling 3-3 draw at Newcastle on Wednesday.

Arne Slot’s side were seconds away from wrapping up yet another victory in a dream start to the season after Mohamed Salah scored his second goal of the game in the closing stages.

But, in keeping with a testing evening on Tyneside, Liverpool were unable to hold on as Schar punished a mistake from Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Alexander Isak’s first half rocket had put Newcastle ahead before Curtis Jones levelled soon after the interval.

Anthony Gordon restored Newcastle’s lead before Salah’s double took him to 15 goals in all competitions this season, including nine in his last seven league games.

Dropping points for the first time since a 2-2 draw at Arsenal on October 27, Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table is down to seven points.

After impressive 2-0 wins against Real Madrid and Manchester City last week, Slot’s men were hailed as champions elect in England and leading contenders for the Champions League.

Failing to kill off spirited Newcastle won’t change that status, but Slot will have noted the flaws in his injury-hit defence ahead of Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park.

With 18 victories in 21 matches this season, it was a surprise to see Liverpool rattled by Newcastle’s tenacious high press.

Despite their erratic opening, Liverpool couldn’t be completely subdued and Alexis Mac Allister’s snap-shot from distance drew a fine save from Nick Pope.

Again Mac Allister was inches away from the opener moments later with a low drive that clipped the outside of the post.

– Sting in the tale –
In the absence