The Reds dropped points for the second game in a row as Jurgen Klopp’s side failed to find a way past a dogged Newcastle side
And so a slog of a year ends with a slog of a performance.
If 2020 has undoubtedly been Liverpool’s, they are finishing it in wasteful fashion.
The Reds could have taken full control of the title race this week, but instead they have squandered four points in as many days. Newcastle, like West Brom before them, were able to frustrate the champions, who were held to their first goalless draw of the campaign at St James’ Park.
They remain top of the Premier League, three points clear of Manchester United. Their great rivals, though, boast a game in hand, and will, like others, fancy their chances of mounting a challenge in the New Year.
They will certainly take encouragement from what they have seen from Liverpool of late. Since dismantling Crystal Palace 7-0 on December 19, Jurgen Klopp’s side have looked anything but convincing.
Slack against West Brom, sloppy against Newcastle. They should have won both but won neither.
In fact, they have won just twice away from home in the league all season. Fans have become accustomed to seeing them grind out victories when below their best, but things have changed this season. Their form on their travels is becoming something of a concern.
They should have won this one, to be fair. That they did not was down to a combination of poor finishing and fantastic goalkeeping, with Karl Darlow making a string of remarkable saves to earn Newcastle their point.
*Avant Sports Desk™*