Liverpool failed to capitalise on an impressive first-half display, allowing Newcastle to fight back and secure an unlikely share of the spoils.

On Rafael Benitez’s return to Anfield, it was certainly the Spaniard who was the happier manager at full time, having trailed to goals from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana at the break.

However the Reds failed to regain their high tempo in the second period, and goals from Papiss Cisse and Jack Colback, ensured that Benitez and the Magpies returned to Tyneside with a valuable point.

Here were the main talking points from a frustrating afternoon at Anfield…

Calamity Mignolet strikes again

 

There was a stage earlier this season when it felt very much a case of, another Liverpool game, another Simon Mignolet mistake.

Almost to the degree that many Reds fans had almost begrudgingly accepted that consistency was not the Belgian’s forte, and that mistakes were par for the course.

However following the turn of the year, Mignolet has proven himself to be increasingly reliable, turning into two fine performances against Manchester United in the Europa League last month.

But his inability to deal with Vurnon Anita’s simple cross, which in turn gifted Newcastle a goal, reminded all at Anfield that these errors still exist within Mignolet’s armoury.

Lallana now thriving on centre stage

 

England international Adam Lallana has become a symbol of the Liverpool renaissance under Jurgen Klopp, adding a real consistency to his game.

The former Southampton man has improved significantly this season, reaping the benefits of playing regularly and centrally.

His performance against the Toon Army, particularly in the first half, typified how important he is in terms of linking midfield and attack, as well as creating space for Sturridge.

His took his goal brilliantly and although Brazilian pair Phillippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino can still lay claim to his position, he is currently Liverpool’s most in-form No.10.

Sturridge ready to lead the line in Spain

 

Daniel Sturridge is set to be given the nod to start Thursday’s Europa League tie, following injury to Divock Origi, and the England international looks ready.

Sturridge’s injury problems in the past eighteen months have been well documented, however he now looks to getting back to his best, just in time for a crucial month for Liverpool.

With 11 goals in a disrupted season, his finishing ability is difficult to question, and the sharpness of his turn and finish against Newcastle demonstrated his predatory instincts.

With Liverpool’s season now focused on the Villarreal in the Europa League, Sturridge’s goals could prove vital to a place in the final.

Rafa factor a reminder of work still to do

 

Rafael Benitez spoke post-game of the pride he felt of hearing his name sang by the Anfield faithful, a sign of his enduring legacy at the club.

Benitez’s six years on Merseyside saw the club enjoy one of their most successful periods in the Premier League era, bringing in world-class talents in Pepe Reina, Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres.

One of the hallmarks of Benitez’s Liverpool was defensive pragmatism, albeit with better defenders than the current side, but it was a major part of Liverpool’s success.

His appearance at Anfield will have reminded supporters of a time when Liverpool were far more structured defensively, and their goalkeeper more stable, an indication of Klopp’s remaining work.