Newcastle United and Liverpool got the weekend's Premier League action off to an entertaining start on Saturday with a 2-2 draw at St James' Park.
Yohan Cabaye gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half before Steven Gerrard levelled from the penalty spot after Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa had been sent off for bringing down Luis Suarez.
Substitute Paul Dummett then put Newcastle ahead at the start of the second half, but Daniel Sturridge netted with 20 minutes left to secure a point for Liverpool.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at what was a thrilling contest between the sides.
Match statistics:
Newcastle:
Shots 14
On target 4
Possession 38%
Corners 3
Fouls 8
Liverpool:
Shots 23
On target 7
Possession 62%
Corners 13
Fouls 10
Was the result fair?
Despite Liverpool's dominance in terms of possession and attempts at goal, there can be no denying that Newcastle's fight and spirit saw them pick up a worthy point. The game saw plenty of shifts in momentum throughout, but both sides struggled to consolidate when they were on top. Ultimately, it will be the home team who are happier with the draw.
Newcastle's performance
The Magpies were unable to showcase the type of dynamic attacking play that can sometimes dazzle their opponents in the Premier League, but they earned their corn by defending doggedly and hustling with energy in midfield. They refused to let their numerical disadvantage show against a slippery Liverpool side, and big credit should go to them for that. The roar from the home fans at the final whistle told you that this felt more like a win than a draw.
Liverpool's performance
Brendan Rodgers will have few complaints about the way that his players approached the match as they passed the ball well while controlling most of the possession. However, they were let down by some poor finishing from Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. For whatever reason (possibly tiredness after a hectic international week) those two failed to spark into life for much of the contest. That said, there was little to suggest that Liverpool have lost their early-season mojo.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Yohan Cabaye: The Frenchman got Newcastle off the mark with yet another superb long-range effort as he worked tirelessly in midfield alongside Cheick Tiote. His passing, control and commitment were exemplary. Alan Pardew must be thanking his lucky stars that the talisman is still at the club.
Biggest gaffe
Cheick Tiote made a fool of himself late on when he gestured to referee Andre Marriner to book Daniel Sturridge for a foul on Yoan Gouffran. The official rightly put Sturridge in the book, but Tiote's action lacked class.
Referee performance
Andre Marriner got the big penalty decision right and was correct to send off Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa for fouling Luis Suarez. However, there were one or two bookings that seemed completely unnecessary as he occasionally lost control of the match.
What next?
Newcastle: It's the big one for the Magpies next Sunday as they travel to local rivals Sunderland in the Premier League.
Liverpool: The Reds return to Premier League action next Saturday when they welcome West Bromwich Albion to Anfield.
Jack Prescott
