The media on Newcastle 2-3 LFC: 'Liverpool's character is breathtaking'

Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah had scored first-half goals that were cancelled out by a determined Magpies side under Rafael Benitez.

But the Reds kept their nerve to clinch what could be a priceless three points at St. James' Park.

Here is what the media made of the match...

James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

This remarkable team Klopp has built simply refused to accept their fate. In the face of adversity, they rallied and delivered a thrilling late twist in the tale. Four minutes from time Xherdan Shaqiri whipped a free-kick into the box and fellow substitute Origi sent a glancing header goalwards to spark scenes of wild joy amongst the travelling Kop. It was a thrilling, torturous night in the North East. Rafa Benitez had vowed that there would be no favours for his old club and he was true to his word as a resurgent Newcastle pushed Liverpool all the way. The sense of tension was unbearable during a nerve-shredding finale but the Reds got over the line. Once again when their backs were against the wall, they found a way to win under immense pressure. The character they have shown all season has been breathtaking.

Neil Jones, Goal.com

For the first time in five years, the Premier League title race will go to the final day of the season. Liverpool are still in there fighting, but only just. On the ground where Manchester City suffered their last league loss, Jurgen Klopp’s side kept their dream alive in the most dramatic of fashion. St James’ Park produced one of the most remarkable nights of the campaign. What is it about this fixture? The Reds’ 3-2 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park moves them back to the top of the table, but only tells half the story of this nerve-shredding evening. Asked question after question, Liverpool once more found the answers. What must Manchester City make of this team? Where does it find its energy reserves, its courage, its character? Whoever lifts that trophy next weekend, we should applaud and appreciate them. These are two special football sides.

Phil McNulty, BBC

The Premier League title race deserves to go the final kick of this relentless, spectacular confrontation between Liverpool and Manchester City. It will now do exactly that after Jurgen Klopp's side showed heart, nerve and resilience to prevail against Newcastle on a thunderous night on Tyneside. With the margins in this titanic title battle so thin all season, this is the first round of matches where the destination of the Premier League trophy could have been decided. So, with the pressure at its most acute, the question of who would blink first loomed large over Jurgen Klopp's side at St James' Park. As they were being held 2-2 by the Magpies with five minutes remaining, it looked like it might be Liverpool. That was until a flick of substitute Origi's head gave them victory, put them back on top of the table and means the scenery shifts to Manchester City's meeting with Leicester at Etihad Stadium on Monday. Klopp's team is a threat as long as any game is in progress. Liverpool have demonstrated that time and again, but they needed to excavate deep into their character to get through this one. Klopp's substitutions have played a key role in their success, with 12 Premier League goals coming from substitutes this season, more than any other team.

David Lynch, Evening Standard

As well as their countless other qualities, this Liverpool team possesses a rare sort of mental strength. While City have spent the last few months cruising into victories earned through early goals and domination of possession, their opponents in the title race have had to work a little harder. But they have a manager who never countenances giving up and, during his time at Anfield, he has instilled that throughout the squad he has built. In going on to win despite countless setbacks at St James’ Park, the Reds showed that once again.

Simon Hughes, Independent

It was another incredible game of unscripted outrageous entertainment, with Liverpool meeting problems and finding a way out. If they do not win the league, it is not because of heart or belief. When Liverpool’s winner flew in with four minutes of normal time remaining, a selection of former Liverpool players leapt from their seats in the press box. One was Robbie Fowler and another was Sander Westerveld. Jan Molby hugged his Danish co-worker a little way behind. Most of Liverpool’s technical staff were on the pitch by now, their fists reaching into the night air.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.