Liverpool were held to a 3-3 draw in a dramatic Premier League match at St James’ Park on Wednesday.

A bright start for the hosts as Jacob Murphy hit the post before Alexander Isak put them ahead with a powerful shot past Caoimhín Kelleher, who then parried off Anthony Gordon to keep the score at 1-0. Mohamed Salah had Liverpool’s best chance of the first half but was unable to control Jarell Quansah’s pass in the penalty area.

The Reds looked better after the break and leveled the score when Curtis Jones put the finishing touches on Salah’s ball. Isak was one of the Magpies’ standout performers on the night and made his name again when he assisted Gordon as they regained the lead, but parity was soon restored when Trent Alexander-Arnold won the ball back before assisting Salah.

The Egypt international was Liverpool’s star in the second half with a great performance and after being unlucky to hit the crossbar after some impressive footwork, he put his team in the lead with a precise finish past Nick Pope. The Reds appeared to be in control of the game before a late Newcastle free-kick and a rare goalkeeping error from Kelleher allowed Fabian Schär to finish at the back post.

Positive

Liverpool responded after a sluggish first half with standout performances from Salah and Alexander-Arnold, two players whose contracts are about to end in the final six months.

Negatives

Liverpool have clearly missed the influence of Ibrahima Konaté at times, although both Joe Gomez and Quansah haven’t had as many opportunities to step up recently. Kelleher has been error-free since replacing Alisson and will be disappointed with his error at the end of the game.

Manager Rating (1-10; 10 = best)

Arne Slot, 7 — Liverpool seemed to have improved after the second half and Slot’s substitution made an immediate impact, leaving the score at 2-2 before the team eventually took the lead. A well-run game by the Reds head coach.

Player ratings

GK Caoimhín Kelleher, 5 — There was little he could do about a great shot from Isak, but the Liverpool goalkeeper prevented Gordon from doubling Newcastle’s lead with a great first-half chance. It was unfortunate that Newcastle’s second goal could not be prevented, but the third was to blame as the Magpies equalized in the 90th minute.

DF Andy Robertson, 6 – He tried to support the attack with forward runs at the right time and asked questions of the defense with some crosses into the penalty area.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 6 – Safe and often won the ball back when fighting for it, but could have intervened earlier to call Isak offside in the first half. A strong challenge halted a Newcastle counter-attack at the end of the game.

DF Joe Gomez, 5 – Blocked an attempt by Gordon in the second half but then allowed him to turn on his stronger foot before scoring. Was cautious when passing the ball forward but sometimes struggled when isolated with Isak.

DF Jarell Quansah, 6 – He was deployed as a right-back for Liverpool and defended well throughout. However, he was also unlucky not to provide an assist after Salah’s great run and pass landed him in a dangerous area. Gordon’s deficit could have been more noticeable before Newcastle’s second.

MF Ryan Gravenberch, 5 – He wasn’t at his usual best that evening and was in possession of the ball too often. Replaced by Dominik Szoboszlai in the 67th minute.

MF Alexis Mac Allister, 6 – Was unlucky with his shot in the 14th minute and hit the post seconds later. Unlocked Salah on the right before Liverpool’s equalizer. He received a harsh warning for a foul that had little truth to it, meaning he will miss the Merseyside derby against Everton at the weekend.

MF Curtis Jones, 7 – Precise in the passing game and tries to steer things in the right direction. Found Salah with a well-placed ball in the first half. He controlled his run perfectly in the 50th minute before finishing with Salah’s pass past Pope.

FW Cody Gakpo, 5 – He was uninvolved in the first half, although he had a lot to offer in the penalty area, but his attempt was blocked after cutting inside. Threatened the goal in the second half with a volley to force a corner and then headed over but narrowly missed Darwin Núñez at the back post.

FW Darwin Núñez, 5 – His final result could have been better as he led Liverpool’s counter-attacks as his pass to Salah was placed behind the Egypt international. He was close to giving Liverpool the lead at the back post but was just a fraction of a second late to Gakpo’s pass.

FW Mohamed Salah, 10 – It’s not entirely clear how Salah prepared for the second half, but it was one of the best 45 minutes of his Liverpool career. Two goals and an assist, plus a magical moment of superb footwork before he fired a shot off the crossbar.

Substitute players (players are substituted after 70 minutes = no scoring)

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Gomez, 67′) 8 — Made an immediate impact when he came on as a substitute, winning the ball back and then making a clever run over the line to set up Salah for Liverpool’s second equalizer of the game. Yellow card for his first foul of the game against Gordon.

Dominik Szoboszlai (Gravenberch, 67′) 6 — Was deployed in an advanced role. Use Liverpool’s pressing well and stretch Newcastle’s midfield with intelligent runs.

Luis Díaz (Gakpo, 67′) 6 — Worked hard on the left and gave Liverpool’s counter-attacks a boost. Always looking to beat his opponent, he was brilliant in the penalty area, cutting inside with his right foot before concentrating on goal.