Liverpool and Newcastle United have headed into half time level after both failed to create many chances in a goalless first half at St James' Park this afternoon.

The home side wanted a penalty inside the opening 10 minutes when Gabriel Obertan rounded Dejan Lovren before pulling the ball back for Moussa Sissoko, who was brought down by a challenge from Joe Allen, but the referee was not interested in awarding the spot kick.

Obertan was unable to make it to the end of the half though, as he appeared to pull a muscle with just over 20 minutes played, bringing on Rolando Aarons.

Newcastle had a good chance 10 minutes before the break when Simon Mignolet failed to clear a corner, leaving Papiss Cisse to try to smash it in, but Glen Johnson was on hand to make the clearance off the line.

The Magpies had a free kick in a strong position just before the break, but Cisse's curling effort failed to test the goalkeeper, ensuring that the teams remained goalless at the break.