Jurgen Klopp's men lose more ground on Premier League leaders after their frailties at the back were exposed once more as Rafa Benitez clinches draw against his old club
RAFA BENITEZ frustrated his former club thanks to a fluke goal from Joselu.
Philippe Coutinho put Liverpool into a 28th-minute lead with a stunning 25-yard strike.
But Joselu equalised for Newcastle seven minutes later – after Joel Matip’s tackle cannoned in off the Spaniard’s shin.
The goal once again exposed the weaknesses in the Liverpool back line, as Joselu simply ran through the gap between the two centre-backs to race through on Simon Mignolet.
Daniel Sturridge then missed a golden opportunity to win it for the Reds in the second half.
And Jurgen Klopp’s visitors ultimately had to settle for a point – meaning they have won just one of their last seven games in all competitions.
Newcastle boss Benitez will have been pleased with a draw in his first home match against the side he bossed for six years from 2004 to 2010.
This was the first time the Toon have scored after going behind this season, and it was a fine response from last Sunday’s dismal defeat at Brighton.
Newcastle had been under the cosh early on, with Sturridge seeing an effort blocked on its way to goal by the hand of Jamaal Lascelles – although it was not intentional.
Mohamed Salah then had a run on goal but was stopped by a great recovery challenge from DeAndre Yedlin.
Ex-Newcastle midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum hit the post from a Coutinho corner with a sublime flick, before Dejan Lovren and Sadio Mane both missed follow-ups.
But brilliant Brazilian Coutinho finally put the Reds ahead when he picked up a loose ball on the left, cut inside and then unleashed past helpless Toon stopper Rob Elliot.
Liverpool’s lead did not last long, however, as Jonjo Shelvey split the Reds defence with a wonderful throughball, and though Joselu was caught by Matip, the ball still found its way past Simon Mignolet.
The Reds had the better chances to win it in the second half, with Sturridge seeing his shot blocked by the onrushing Elliot after a horror air kick from Ciaran Clark.
But Benitez’s boys managed to hold firm as the game wore on, piling more pain on Kop boss Klopp.
INTERACTIVE STATS - CLICK on the categories to find out how the teams fared
