Liverpool on Saturday chose to sideline defender Mamadou Sakho after being notified by European football governing body, UEFA that the Frenchman is being investigated over a failed drugs test.
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Then in the second half, after a particularly hopeful, mundane cross resulted in a goal for Newcastle, Liverpool were unable to withstand pressure and drew 2-2.
First half goals from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana had seemingly put Liverpool on course for another comfortable league win, what would have been their fourth in a row following victories over Stoke City, Bournemouth and Everton in recent weeks.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez could be in line to stay at the club EVEN if they are relegated, report the Daily Mirror. He was just fortunate that two loud penalty appeals, a handball claim against Dummett and challenge by Cheik Tiote on Sturridge, went unpunished.
Boro host Brighton at the Riverside on the final day of the season with destiny likely to be in their own hands, but travel to St Andrews’ on Friday and are 4/6 favourites to win, the Blues 4s and the draw 3s.
Daniel Sturridge’s opening goal after 68 seconds was beautifully taken, a well-finished reminder of the England international’s breathtaking ability. We had a good performance at Norwich but not at Southampton and we needed to show character today and the belief we showed against Swansea and Manchester City. Now they are happy with a point but before the game they maybe thought they could win against Liverpool at Anfield. Colback’s shot was deflected in via Dejan Lovren. “It doesn’t feel like we won a point”.
Benitez was frustrated with his side’s start to the game though.
But Liverpool took their foot off the pedal and Newcastle pounced, scoring two goals to leave Anfield with a share of the spoils. “Every game now for us is massive”.
Benitez’s six years on Merseyside saw the club enjoy one of their most successful periods in the Premier League era, bringing in world-class talents in Pepe Reina, Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres. That was a final, one game, and now it is a race in which we have to keep going.
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“It was emotional because the Liverpool fans were singing my name and afterwards the Newcastle fans were singing my name so really pleased to have this reaction and really pleased to get a point against a very good team”.
