Liverpool head coach Arne Slot believes that the team did not deserve anything more than a draw against Newcastle United. Newcastle restricted the Reds to a 3-3 draw at St James Park in an intense showdown between the two sides.
Liverpool are at the top of the Premier League table but their point-gap decreased by two after this late draw. Newcastle scored a late equalizer after Caoimhin Kelleher chose not to catch the incoming set-piece delivering, leading to a tap-in.
While the draw hurts the team a lot, it is a good reminder that a simple mistake could prove costly. There is no room for indecision and the players need to take the initiative, controlling their areas with complete conviction.
Arne Slot harboruing 'mixed feelings' as Newcastle dent title charge. . (Credit: Liverpoolfc/liverpoolfc.com)
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot believes the draw is the right result based on their poor first-half performance (Credit: Liverpoolfc/liverpoolfc.com)
Furthermore, the poor officiating played an extraneous factor as it allowed the Magpies to act more aggressively during the game. While the likes of Joelington survived any disciplinary action, Liverpool players received five yellow cards during the frustrating night.
The refereeing factor usually decides the uncontrollable margin of error but it is now time for players to change their expectations. Liverpool need to go into every game with the idea that the decisions will not favour them to avoid frustrations.
Speaking to Amazon Prime (via Mirror), Slot believed that Liverpool deserved a draw against Newcastle after their poor first-half performance. He said:
“I have mixed feelings, we were outstanding in the second half but we were not good enough in the first half. Maybe 3-3 is what the game deserved,”
Liverpool players struggled with fatigue during the first half with on-form players like Ryan Gravenberch making unlikely mistakes. At the same time, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez also struggled due to the lack of game time they received.
The Reds need to move on quickly from this draw, considering the venue for their struggle to secure three points. Newcastle have already defeated Arsenal at St James Park while defeating Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
More Liverpool News
Furthermore, they secured a draw against Manchester City before the defending champions’ eventual drop in form. Taking these factors into consideration, a draw is not a bad result and the focus should shift towards Everton.