Newcastle 2 Liverpool 2: Steven Gerrard rues ‘missed opportunity’
Newcastle 2 Liverpool 2: Steven Gerrard reflects on a "missed opportunity" after 10-man Magpies hold the Reds
Steven Gerrard reflected on a “missed opportunity” after 10-man Newcastle held Liverpool to a draw at St James’ Park.
Yohan Cabaye’s dipping long-range strike put Alan Pardew’s men in front but Gerrard equalised from the penalty spot after Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa was sent off for bringing down Luis Suarez in the 40th minute.
Substitute Paul Dummett then put the Mapgies back ahead in the 56th minute before Daniel Sturridge nodded an equaliser shortly after.
The draw moved Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table, a point ahead of Arsenal, who host Norwich City later on Saturday.
“It was a missed opportunity today, especially after the sending-off,” Gerrard told BT Sport.
“Newcastle started the stronger, and we went 1-0 down and had a mountain to climb but the sending off completely changed it. We dominated the rest of the match but we couldn’t get enough goals to win.
“I thought our all-round game after the sending off was very good. We lacked a bit of energy. We did enough to win the game but credit to Newcastle, they hung in there.
“Fair play to them, they certainly started the game better than us and took control. The first goal was big for them but they kick themselves in the foot by getting a man sent off.
“The game completely changed and we took control and deserved to get the three points.”
Gerrard notched up his 100th Premier League goal with his first-half strike, but the Liverpool captain was frustrated not to secure a win.
“It’s nice to get goals but for me I’m disappointed that we missed the opportunity to take the three points,” he added.
