Premier League: Liverpool suffer blow to Top-4 hopes in Newcastle draw

With fellow Top-4 rivals West Ham United and Chelsea playing each other this weekend, Liverpool had a great chance to take advantage of the situation to enter into the Champions League places. But, a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser by Joe Willock has dealt Liverpool a massive blow in their push for Europe next season. Following Mohamed Salah’s equaliser, the Premier League champions looked to be in control. But an injury-time drama ended the match 1-1.

Starting the day in seventh, Liverpool had a chance to enter the Top-4. Their Egyptian magician Salah produced a scintillating finish in the third minute. It provided the confidence the home team needed as Liverpool started to control the game better. But poor finishing and final pass prevented the hosts from doubling the lead.

Alisson was needed at the start of the second half to deny Joelinton, but Liverpool had chances of their own on the other end, which were saved by the Newcastle goalkeeper. With Liverpool unable to seal the match, the visitors started throwing more bodies forward in attack.

For a moment it looked like, Newcastle were rewarded for their positivity when Callum Wilson bundled home. But their joy was short lived as VAR disallowed the goal as the ball hit his arm before he scored.

Undeterred by the disappointment, Newcastle continued to throw bodies forward and got their reward in the end. Willock scored deep into injury time to break the hearts of Liverpool players and fans.

While Liverpool’s top-4 chances still hanging in the balance, Newcastle appear to be safe from relegation. Thanks to the point, they are now nine points above the drop zone.