Eddie Howe was left frustrated with elements of Newcastle's 3-3 draw with Liverpool
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Eddie Howe reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park on December 04, 2024
(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Eddie Howe questioned some key officiating decision after his Newcastle United team held Liverpool to a 3-3 draw at St James’ Park. After Alexander Isak had given the hosts a deserved half-time lead, the game exploded into life with Curtis Jones equalising before Anthony Gordon put Newcastle back in front.
Mohamed Salah then scored twice before Fabian Schar netted the 90th-minute equaliser that has cut Liverpool’s lead at the Premier League summit to seven points.
In an incident-packed second half, Newcastle claimed a penalty when Jarell Quansah challenged Isak in the area, while they were unhappy referee Andy Madley blew for full-time when the home team were on the attack.
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And Newcastle boss Howe said: “I thought it was a penalty on Alex but I haven’t seen a replay, it was just an initial thought.
“I was surprised by the final whistle as I thought there was around two minutes taken on a free-kick during the additional time, so I thought there would be seven minutes played.
“I think it was five minutes 15 seconds when he blew and it looked like we were in a good position.”
Of the game, Howe added: “I have mixed emotions. Part of me feels we should have won it, part of me is pleased we got a draw. I’m just generally very pleased with the performance. It was much more attacking and I got a really good feeling from the team against the best team we have played so far in the Premier League this season.
“Their substitutions gave us a problem with Trent’s attacking quality and potency with the ball. It gave us an issue on that side of the pitch.
“Trent was an obvious attacking threat with his crossing and passing, he was breaking the lines with the outstanding range he possesses and we didn’t deal with that individual threat.
“I’m disappointed with the goals we conceded but I’m not sure that should overtake my feeling which was that it was much more like us.
“Bizarrely although we conceded three goals I thought we defended well.
“When we equalised I thought we might get one more chance and it looked like the counter-attack would be that chance but obviously it wasn’t meant to be.”