St James' Park has witnessed countless dramatic encounters over the years, but few can match the sheer theatre that unfolded on December 4, 2024, as Newcastle United and Liverpool played out a six-goal thriller that will be remembered for all the right reasons by the hosts and all the wrong ones by the visitors.

Mohamed Salah was once again the protagonist for Liverpool, delivering a masterclass that should have secured all three points for Arne Slot's side. The Egyptian King scored twice and, in doing so, wrote another chapter in his remarkable Premier League story. His brace saw him set a new record for the most games in which a player has contributed both a goal and an assist, reaching an astonishing 37 such matches. It is a testament to his consistency and complete attacking brilliance that has defined his Liverpool career.

Salah's goals also propelled him to the top of the Premier League scoring charts, his tally now standing at 13 for the season, surpassing Manchester City's Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot. Perhaps even more impressive is his current streak of scoring in seven consecutive league games, a run of form that has been instrumental in Liverpool's title charge.

Yet for all of Salah's heroics, the night belonged to Newcastle's never-say-die spirit and one moment of misfortune for Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher. The Magpies twice took the lead against the league leaders, refusing to bow despite facing one of the most in-form attackers in world football. Each time Salah responded to pull Liverpool level, setting the stage for what seemed like an inevitable away victory.

Then came the 90th minute. A floated cross into the Liverpool box should have been routine for Kelleher, who has largely impressed when deputizing for the injured Alisson Becker. But the Irish goalkeeper's judgment betrayed him at the crucial moment, misjudging the flight of the ball and leaving the goal gaping. Fabian Schär, displaying the predatory instincts usually reserved for strikers, slid in to poke the ball into the empty net.

St James' Park erupted. Newcastle had snatched an improbable draw from the jaws of defeat, and Liverpool's seemingly unassailable position at the top of the table suddenly looked a little less secure. The seven-point cushion that remains is still healthy, but this was an opportunity missed, two points dropped that could prove costly come May.

For Eddie Howe's Newcastle, this result represents everything that is admirable about their approach. They went toe-to-toe with the best team in the country and refused to accept defeat. Schär's goal was reward for their persistence and belief.

Liverpool will rue what might have been. Salah was sensational, his performance deserving of victory. But football is a cruel game, and one error can undo ninety minutes of excellence. Kelleher will have sleepless nights over his misjudgment, though he has earned enough credit in the bank to weather this storm.

As the title race continues to unfold, this draw serves as a reminder that nothing is guaranteed in the Premier League. Liverpool remain in pole position, but the chasing pack will take heart from this result. The road to glory just got a little bumpier for Slot and his men.