“Magpies steal again and this time they won’t be robbed” is an iconic piece of commentary from Peter Drury as Joe Willock restored parity at Anfield in the 95th minute. Over on BT Sport, the sound of Steve McManaman’s disappointment was almost better. Newcastle United had done the unthinkable and equalise for a second time in time added on.
Watching Newcastle has been a chore this season but for the most part, the redeemable feature of this side has been the fighting spirit. That has been showcased over the last few weeks and epitomised by picking themselves up after being wronged by VAR to net another dramatic leveller.
Following the 3-0 shambles against Brighton, that quality was rightly doubted but the response to the humbling blow down South has been top class with eight points picked up from the four following games
Like in each of the three games that proceeded the Anfield draw, Newcastle rode their luck and it was only for the lack of a finishing touch and the brilliance of Martin Dubravka that the reds didn’t win the game with ease but for the last 10 minutes alone, Newcastle deserved a point.
Allan Saint-Maximin showed why he is so important to the side with yet more flashes of genius but the Liverpool players showed why he has had so many injury issues, they kicked him from the first minute.
Joe Willock has been an absolute revelation since arriving at Tyneside and his fourth Toon goal rescued a point after a shameful VAR call that denied Callum Wilson his first goal since rerunning from injury.
With every game that the Arsenal loan man plays, the price tag surely goes up and the chances of him becoming a permanent member of the squad surely get lower. Maybe that’s why Bruce is intent on keeping him on the bench. If there’s a deal to be done, Newcastle have to move.
Signing a young, English midfielder with sell on value would be on brand for the Mike Ashley way of doing things so hopefully he can be persuaded to splash the cash on the youngster.
The gap to 18th place is looking much more healthy at nine points and survival is all but in the bag.