LONDON: Liverpool approach Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Everton with all the confidence of Premier League leaders after an exciting 3-3 draw at Newcastle. Mo Salah reinforced his demand for a lucrative contract extension with a two-goal performance but it was not enough.

Simultaneously champions Manchester City regained some of their old verve in an easy 3-0 dismissal of Nottingham Forest but remain 11 points adrift in an apparently hopeless title defence.

Liverpool were slow to start as Alexander Isak tore into their defence, creating chances for his team-mates and putting Newcastle ahead. Liverpool’s angst was reflected in their collection of three yellow cards in the first half of an away game for the first time since August 2016 against Arsenal.

Salah came to the rescue after the interval. He set up an equaliser for Curtis Jones and, after Newcastle regained the lead through Antony Gordon, delivered a second equaliser himself. Substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold crossed so Salah could score for his 14th goal in all competitions.

Newcastle did not deserve to lose and deserved their stoppage-time equaliser from Fabian Schär.

City recovered something of their old style in ending their run of seven games with a win in all competitions against Forest.

They looked more like their old selves right from the kick off with Kevin de Bruyne and Jack Grealish starting and Bernardo Silva soon opening the scoring with his first goal since January. De Bruyne set up the goal and scored the second himself. The goal was particularly welcome after speculation that the Belgian no longer enjoyed the old-time confidence of manager Pep Guardiola.

Jeremy Doku, who had provided the assist for De Bruyne, extended City’s lead in the second half. De Bruyne, on being substituted, was hailed with a standing ovation from City’s fans.

City looked something like their old selves with Kevin de Bruyne and Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva striking early with his first league goal since January. Chris Wood shot badly wide with only Stefan Ortega to beat and was punished minutes later when De Bruyne scored City’s second goal.

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