Newcastle United held Liverpool to a goalless Premier League draw at St James' Park to ease the pressure on boss Steve Bruce.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah missed two key opportunities either side of half-time while United's Fabian Schar denied Sadio Mane a tap-in with a timely clearance off the goalline in the 80th minute.
Roberto Firmino also went close midway through the second period, failing to hit the target after Newcastle keeper Karl Darlow was stranded following a corner.
And the Brazil forward then saw his 88th-minute header superbly denied by Darlow as the hosts held on to a well-earned point.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said afterwards: "We found a lot of solutions today, created chances but didn't use them that's why it's 0-0. But I liked the game – this is a draw which we are not happy with the result but I'm fine with the performance because that's the way we have to play and protect we did all that but it's still disappointing. It is how it is.
"We had all these moments – it's normal. We had to keep going and they defended with all they had but then we were left with just one player up front. Played super football but we have to respect the result and take what was right and what was wrong. I don't think much was wrong except the finishing and we have to just keep going and if we can finish those things then we will win football games.
"The last thing I'm thinking about is our position in the table at the moment. It's nice but it doesn't mean anything. We drew tonight and we are still top of the table so that just shows how difficult the season is for everybody. When life gives you lemons make lemonade. We have to keep going, next game, Southampton, Aston Villa, Man United and that's good we know about our responsibility. We didn't get the result we wanted but it's not the worst thing in the world there are worse things happening."
