Liverpool blow place in top four
Willock’s late strike earns Newcastle a 1-1 draw
Published: 10:04 PM,Apr 24,2021 | EDITED : 08:04 PM,Apr 24,2021
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LIVERPOOL: Liverpool suffered another setback in a tumultuous week as Joe Willock’s 94th minute equaliser earned Newcastle a 1-1 draw at Anfield that prevented Jurgen Klopp’s men from moving into the Premier League top four.
Mohamed Salah had opened the scoring after just three minutes, but Liverpool wasted a host of chances to extend their lead and paid in stoppage time.
The Reds even had already had a reprieve when Callum Wilson’s equaliser was ruled out after a VAR review for handball, but still could not hold on as Willock’s deflected strike secured a vital point in the Magpies’ bid for survival.
Two more dropped points is a blow to Liverpool’s chances of a place in next season’s Champions League after their owners’ plans for ensuring they have top level European football every season without having to earn it on the field collapsed this week.
Liverpool were one of 12 clubs to initially sign up to proposals for a European Super League (ESL) last weekend, only to quickly withdraw within 48 hours after a backlash from their own players and fans.
In his programme notes, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who spoke out against the ESL on behalf of the squad on Tuesday, called for calm.
“Being critical of my own employers isn’t something I do easily,” said Henderson.
“It is good that Liverpool withdrew and the concept has collapsed. That’s good for football. It’s also good that our owners, via John Henry, have apologised unreservedly.
The hosts could not have made a better start as a brilliant touch and finish from Salah opened the scoring after just three minutes.
The Egyptian’s 29th goal of the season set up a wide-open game with plenty of chances at both ends.
Salah should have had a second but fired too close to Martin Dubravkal. Sadio Mane also failed to round the Slovakian goalkeeper with a glorious chance.
Dubravka made a string of fine saves after the break to deny Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane at his near post and a long-range effort from James Milner.
Wilson bundled the ball home after Alisson had saved his initial effort, but the ball had rebounded off the Brazilian goalkeeper onto the former Bournemouth striker’s hand before he stabbed it into an unguarded net. Seconds later, on-loan Arsenal midfielder Willock’s strike deflected in off Fabinho to leave Alisson helpless.
Liverpool move up to sixth but are a point behind fourth-placed Chelsea and West Ham. Newcastle edge ever closer to survival. They are nine points clear of the bottom three. — AFP
Mohamed Salah had opened the scoring after just three minutes, but Liverpool wasted a host of chances to extend their lead and paid in stoppage time.
The Reds even had already had a reprieve when Callum Wilson’s equaliser was ruled out after a VAR review for handball, but still could not hold on as Willock’s deflected strike secured a vital point in the Magpies’ bid for survival.
Two more dropped points is a blow to Liverpool’s chances of a place in next season’s Champions League after their owners’ plans for ensuring they have top level European football every season without having to earn it on the field collapsed this week.
Liverpool were one of 12 clubs to initially sign up to proposals for a European Super League (ESL) last weekend, only to quickly withdraw within 48 hours after a backlash from their own players and fans.
In his programme notes, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who spoke out against the ESL on behalf of the squad on Tuesday, called for calm.
“Being critical of my own employers isn’t something I do easily,” said Henderson.
“It is good that Liverpool withdrew and the concept has collapsed. That’s good for football. It’s also good that our owners, via John Henry, have apologised unreservedly.
The hosts could not have made a better start as a brilliant touch and finish from Salah opened the scoring after just three minutes.
The Egyptian’s 29th goal of the season set up a wide-open game with plenty of chances at both ends.
Salah should have had a second but fired too close to Martin Dubravkal. Sadio Mane also failed to round the Slovakian goalkeeper with a glorious chance.
Dubravka made a string of fine saves after the break to deny Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane at his near post and a long-range effort from James Milner.
Wilson bundled the ball home after Alisson had saved his initial effort, but the ball had rebounded off the Brazilian goalkeeper onto the former Bournemouth striker’s hand before he stabbed it into an unguarded net. Seconds later, on-loan Arsenal midfielder Willock’s strike deflected in off Fabinho to leave Alisson helpless.
Liverpool move up to sixth but are a point behind fourth-placed Chelsea and West Ham. Newcastle edge ever closer to survival. They are nine points clear of the bottom three. — AFP