Liverpool fans will have mixed feelings as their team dropped valuable points in the Premier League title race at St James’ Park. Newcastle United held the Reds to a 3-3 draw, with a last-minute equalizer from Fabian Schar canceling out Mohamed Salah’s world-class heroics, which seemed certain to have completed the comeback for Arne Slot’s side.

Despite the frustrations, Liverpool can take solace in their nine-point lead over Manchester City and seven points behind Arsenal and Chelsea.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jermaine Pennant spoke exclusively to Anfield Index who gave his thoughts on the game…

“Typical” game against Newcastle United

“It was a typical game between Newcastle and Liverpool,” Pennant began. “How many times have we seen a 4-3 or 3-2 win with late goals? It’s crazy.” Liverpool’s trip to St James’ Park was always going to be a thrilling clash, but not many would have expected a six-point thriller that would see both teams have opposing thoughts after the game.

A total of 20 goals were scored in the last five meetings between the two teams, twelve of which came in the last two meetings.

Liverpool’s ‘slow start’: cause for concern?

“As we have seen a few times so far this season, it may take until the second half for Liverpool to really get going,” said Pennant. The Reds were 1-0 down at half-time against Newcastle and some would even suggest it was their worst performance of the season before half-time.

Arne Slot’s team was in the lead at halftime in 12 of 21 games across all competitions this season. However, they have only managed to do this in two of the last nine games. That’s not a big problem if you’re still winning games, but it adds value to Pennant’s observations.

“Fantastic” Kelleher makes a rare mistake

“Kelleher was fantastic for Liverpool,” Pennant continued, “but that one last-minute lapse in concentration cost them all three points.” In a game in which Liverpool were far from at their best, Salah seemingly had the game over with a brilliant brace once again saved from blushing and turned the game on its head.

With just a few minutes left, Newcastle fired a free kick into the box and seemingly within reach of Kelleher. Strangely, Kelleher pulled away at the last moment, leaving Schar an open goal to slide into and poke the ball in.

However, Pennant stresses that Kelleher has been “fantastic” this season and even made some crucial saves against Newcastle that kept the Reds in the game with points.

“Fair result”

“I think if we were 1-0 down we would all have taken a point,” Pennant began, “Newcastle is a difficult place.” It is important to note that both of Liverpool’s title rivals also struggled at St James’ Park. Man City played to a 1-1 draw at the start of the season, while Arsenal came away empty-handed after a 1-0 defeat.

The biggest disappointment is likely to be their defensive problems, which is why Liverpool have conceded five goals in their last two Premier League away games.

“A late goal definitely hurts, but it was probably a fair result,” Pennant concluded.

However, it is crucial for Liverpool to build on this point as they face Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday. If the Reds get all three points from this game, then seven points out of nine against Man City, Newcastle and Everton wouldn’t be too bad…