NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom: Liverpool missed the opportunity to widen the gap by five points on the Premier League stage in the last meeting of 2020 when they were tied by Newcastle without a goal just now.

The 0-0 draw at St James’ Park means the defending champions will enter the New Year with three points ahead of Manchester United and play more than one game.

Nathaniel Phillips was given his first Premier League appearance for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp’s defense became increasingly difficult.

As Joel Matip joins long-time injured Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez on the injury list, Phillips was included with former Magpies midfielder James Milner in two changes from a 1-1 draw to West Brom replacing Matip and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Newcastle got off to a good start when Callum Wilson forced goalkeeper Alisson Becker to save two attempts in the first 12 minutes of the match.

Liverpool could take the lead 11 minutes before the break but Mohamed Salah’s attempt failed to find a target.

Karl Darlow denied Roberto Firmino’s attempt at the end of the first half and ensured his team entered the dressing room with a 0-0 tie.

Klopp’s squad finished 2020 with 33 points after 16 games, three ahead of United who collected 30 points after 15 games.