In what turned out to be one of the most entertaining games of the 2024-25 Premier League season, Liverpool and Newcastle United shared the spoils in a 3-3 draw at St James’ Park.
Mohamed Salah was the star of the show for Liverpool with a goal and two assists, while Curtis Jones also got his name on the scoresheet for the Reds.
However, Newcastle produced a spirited display and took the lead twice through Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, while Fabian Schar equalised to make it 3-3 late in the game.
Salah was obviously Liverpool’s standout player, but Eddie Howe singled out one Reds substitute for special praise for his pivotal role in the game.
Eddie Howe hails Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold
Having just returned from injury, Trent Alexander-Arnold was benched as Jarell Quansah earned a start at right back in Conor Bradley’s absence.
The young Englishman didn’t look too comfortable in that role and was moved to centre-back in the second half as Joe Gomez made way for Alexander-Arnold.
When the Scouser was introduced, the Reds trailed 2-1 but he immediately made an impact as he ran into the area and teed up Salah for the equaliser.
Alexander-Arnold wasn’t done yet, as he combined with Salah to devastating effect once again to give his side a 3-2 lead.
Howe was blown away by his second-half cameo as he suggested Newcastle were unable to stop him despite having prepared to mitigate his threat.
“Their substitutes did very well for them,” said Howe at a press conference after the game.
“Trent’s an obvious attacking threat with his crossing and passing.
“It’s probably more his passing than his crossing, although he created one of the goals where he’s breaking our lines with the outstanding range that he possesses and we didn’t deal with that individual threat well enough.
We prepared for it, but stopping it is another thing.”
Alexander-Arnold’s stats vs Newcastle
Pat Nevin was surprised Alexander-Arnold didn’t start vs Newcastle but Arne Slot probably didn’t want to risk him as he’s just working his way up to full fitness.
- 23 mins played
- 20 touches
- 14/16 accurate passes (88% pass accuracy)
- 3 key passes
- 2 assists
- 1 long ball completed
- 1 big chance created
However, his performance showed he’s more than capable of making telling contributions as he came on and turned the tide in Liverpool’s favour.
Alexander-Arnold’s form and fitness will be crucial for Liverpool if they are to return to winning ways and maintain their lead at the top of the table during the festive run-in.
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