Mohamed Salah was the star of the show yet again as Liverpool dropped two points at St James’ Park following a scintillating 3-3 draw with Newcastle. Arne Slot’s men were outplayed in the first half as Alexander Isak fired in the opening goal 10 minutes before the interval.

The visitors drew level five minutes into the second half as Curtis Jones ran onto a fine ball into the box from Salah to slam a splendid effort into the back of the net.

Anthony Gordon nudged the hosts into the lead for a second time, before Salah netted his first goal of the evening to draw the sides level for a second time. Salah thought he had scored a winner with seven minutes remaining, but Fabian Schar stole a point for the hosts.

Express Sport takes you through player ratings in the aftermath of the entertaining showdown.

Liverpool player ratings (4-2-3-1)

Caoimhin Kelleher: 5

Couldn’t do much about Isak’s wonder strike in the first half as the ball sailed into the top of the net. Saved well from Gordon just after the opening goal but will feel he should have done better to keep out the winger’s strike in the second period. And will be hugely disappointed with the late equaliser.

Jarell Quansah: 5

Was one of two changes from the team that defeated Manchester City at the weekend as Trent Alexander-Arnold dropped out. Played on the right but made himself vulnerable after picking up a booking at the end of the first half. Was in no man’s land for Newcastle’s second as Gordon was able to run in behind him.

Joe Gomez: 5

Made a fine tackle to deny Gordon opening the scoring moments before Newcastle got the first goal. But made a huge error to let his England team-mate through on goal in the latter stages of the first half before Kelleher save well to spare his blushes.

Virgil van Dijk: 6

Wasn’t able to organise his defensive team-mates in his usual manner as Liverpool were pulled apart in spells of the match. Looks more secure with Ibrahima Konate alongside him and will be desperate for the Frenchman to return to the side.

Andy Robertson: 6

Had limited threat going forward as the Reds were forced to soak up pressure throughout the match. Liverpool’s defence didn’t perform well on the whole. And the Scot wasn’t exactly a calming presence.

Ryan Gravenberch: 6

Was exposed in the centre of the pitch as Newcastle played through the Reds midfield time and time again in the first half. Was replaced by Dominik Szoboszlai in the second half without having too much of an impact on the game.

Alexis Mac Allister: 7

Rattled a couple of efforts towards goal midway through the first half, with the first one forcing a fine save from Nick Pope and the second one clipping the post. His first touch was class as always as he tried to get on the ball at every opportunity. Was booked in the first half and will miss the Merseyside derby at the weekend.

Mohamed Salah: 9

Was quiet in the first half but kicked into life after the break. Picked Jones out with a sublime cross into the box with the outside of his foot for the Reds’ first goal of the evening. Grabbed his first goal to level the scores at 2-2, before firing home for a second time. He’s showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Curtis Jones: 8

Replaced Szoboszlai in attack and worked his socks off as usual. Had no right to find the back of the net after running onto Salah’s cross at a time his team appeared to be bereft of ideas.

Cody Gakpo: 5

Did well to steal possession from Tino Livramento close to the Newcastle goal midway through the first half but wasn’t able to find the back of the net afterwards. Couldn’t make the most of a Salah cross in the second period and had a limited impact in front of goal.

Darwin Nunez: 5

Didn’t get into the game at all and will struggle to keep his place when Diogo Jota is fit again. Has so much potential but needs to offer way more in front of goal.

Substitutions

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7

Dominik Szoboszlai: 6

Luis Diaz: 6

Harvey Elliott: 6