Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said his side’s position in the table is “the last thing” he is thinking about after they drew at Newcastle to finish 2020 three points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The Reds end the year where they started it but a second consecutive draw against a team in the bottom half means they are only three points clear of Manchester United, who have a game in hand.
Mohamed Salah missed two key opportunities either side of half-time at St James’ Park, while Newcastle’s Fabian Schar denied Sadio Mane a tap-in with a timely clearance off the goalline in the 80th minute.
Roberto Firmino also went close midway through the second period, failing to hit the target after Newcastle keeper Karl Darlow was stranded following a corner.
And the Brazil forward then saw his 88th-minute header superbly denied by Darlow as the hosts held on to a well-earned point.
“[Being top] is nice but it doesn’t mean anything,” Klopp said after the game.
“We drew tonight and we are still top of the table so that just shows how difficult the season is for everybody. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
“We didn’t get the result we wanted but it’s not the worst thing in the world and there are worse things happening,” Klopp told Amazon Prime.
“But I liked the game – we are not happy with the result but I’m fine with the performance, because that’s the way we have to play and protect.
“We did all that but it’s still disappointing.”
The champions remain firm favourites to collect back-to-back titles for the first time since 1984, but their away form is a recurring issue.
Liverpool have won seven of their eight home league games this season but on the road they’ve won just two in eight.