Eddie Howe delivered on his pre-match promise to fans in Newcastle’s 3-3 draw with Liverpool

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Newcastle United overcame their issues in front of goal during the dramatic draw against Liverpool.

Goals have been a real problem for Newcastle United this season. Before Wednesday evening’s clash, they had only scored 14 goals in 13 games.

Against Liverpool was only the second time this season that Newcastle have scored three times in one match – the first came against Nottingham Forest just before the November international break.

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Alexander Isak opened the scoring for Newcastle at St James’ Park to take his tally for the season up to five, before Anthony Gordon scored against the club he was linked to over the summer. His celebration put an end to any transfer speculation.

Fabian Schar then added Newcastle’s third in injury time to draw level with the Premier League leaders and take a well-deserved point.

Eddie Howe delivered on his ‘entertaining’ promise

Pressure was building on Eddie Howe ahead of the Liverpool clash with questions beginning to be asked about performance levels this season.

His answer was emphatic. Howe promised his side would “entertain” and that he would stick to his style of play and try to attack regardless of who is the opposition.

That was certainly the case against Liverpool. Newcastle took 17 shots against Liverpool, with six on target.

The Magpies dominated much of the game and will be disappointed to only leave St James’ Park with a point. Newcastle’s best performances this season have come against the bigger sides in the division, Howe just needs to find a way of replicating these performances every week.

Three things Eddie Howe got right vs Liverpool

If Howe is criticised for getting his team selection and tactics wrong, he deserves to be praised when he gets it right. He got it spot on against Liverpool.

Sandro Tonali was superb in a deep midfield role, while Bruno Guimaraes partnered him excellently in a more free-roaming position.

Anthony Gordon returned to the left wing and impressed, while Jacob Murphy put in a shift on the right despite his eyebrow-raising inclusion in the starting lineup.

The midfield balance was perfect and Howe also found a way to make Gordon effective without removing all threat from the right. Finally, his tactical approach to press Liverpool from minute one was risky but proved to be a huge success.

Newcastle fans played their part but it is always easier to cheer a side full of energy and intensity.