Mohamed Salah's three-goal contributions were not enough to clinch all three points as Newcastle United and Liverpool shared the spoils in a six-goal thriller at St James' Park.

Alexis Mac Allister seemingly took it upon himself to lead Liverpool's quest for an opener, with the Argentine striking the outside of the post just moments after forcing Nick Pope into action.

However, the Reds were unable to build upon Mac Allister's encouraging start, allowing the hosts to grow in confidence in the first period at St James' Park.

Newcastle winger saw his driven shot clip the outside of the far post, before Alexander Isak produced a thunderous right-foot shot to beat Caoimhin Kelleher to give Newcastle a 35th-minute lead.

Curtis Jones thought he had wrestled back control when he levelled the scoreline in the 50th minute, only to see Anthony Gordon squeeze the ball past Kelleher to restore the home side's advantage on the hour mark.

However, Newcastle's mood quickly turned from one of celebration to one of frustration, as Isak saw his clinical effort ruled out for offside shortly before Salah pulled the Reds back onto level terms after some fine build-up play from two of Arne Slot's substitutes, Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool looked to have clinched maximum points when Salah spun in the box to drive the ball into the bottom corner.

However, there was to be one final twist as Fabian Schar stretched to squeeze the ball in from a narrow angle after Kelleher decided to let the ball drift over his head.

Schar's late strike ended Liverpool's run of seven straight victories in all competitions, although the Reds still boast a healthy seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe's side will be satisfied with the point even though the result extends their winless run to three matches.

NEWCASTLE UNITED VS. LIVERPOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Isak goal vs. Liverpool (35th min, Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool)

Isak stuns the league leaders to give Newcastle a precious lead. The Sweden international collects Bruno Guimaraes's pass, before setting the ball out of his feet to thump an unstoppable strike into the top corner from outside the box.

Jones goal vs. Liverpool (50th min, Newcastle 1-1 Liverpool)

Salah and Jones combine to bring Liverpool back onto level terms. The England international produces a first-time finish to fire past Pope after timing his run into the box to meet Salah's well-weighted pass.

Gordon goal vs. Liverpool (63th min, Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool)

Newcastle are back in front thanks to a former Everton forward. Gordon collects Isak's pass and chops inside onto his right foot, creating the space to squeeze a right-foot shot past Kelleher to net his third Premier League goal of the season.

Salah goal vs. Liverpool (68th min, Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool)

Slot's alterations make an instant impact. Szoboszlai plays the ball out to the right to his fellow substitute Alexander-Arnold, who sends the ball into the box at the second time of asking, setting up Salah to sweep the ball home with his right foot.

Salah goal vs. Liverpool (83th min, Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool)

Liverpool's star man comes to the forefront again. The Egyptian international controls Alexander-Arnold's low cross, before quickly swivelling to drill the ball past an outstretched Pope, sparking scenes of jubilation among the travelling support.

Schar goal vs. Liverpool (89th min, Newcastle 3-3 Liverpool)

The home fans are the ones celebrating now following a rare error from Kelleher. The Republic of Ireland international allows a free-kick to go over his head, only to turn around to see Schar squeeze the ball in from the highest of angles.

MAN OF THE MATCH - MOHAMED SALAH

There were a number of standout performances in a gripping encounter, including Isak's two-goal contributions and Alexander Arnold's brace of assists.

However, Salah was the star man in the six-goal thriller, providing an assist before netting a brace in another impressive display.

Salah also created a total of three chances and was unlucky not to score another goal after being denied by the woodwork.

NEWCASTLE VS. LIVERPOOL MATCH STATS

Possession: Newcastle 41%-59% Liverpool
Shots: Newcastle 17-16 Liverpool
Shots on target: Newcastle 6-5 Liverpool
Corners: Newcastle 5-6 Liverpool
Fouls: Newcastle 9-17 Liverpool

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

After dropping points for the first time since October, Liverpool will look to return to winning ways when they face local rivals Everton in Saturday's Merseyside derby.

As for the Magpies, they will try to build upon this point in Saturday's Premier League meeting with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.