Chelsea and Newcastle hand Arne Slot and Liverpool early Christmas present

Recent setbacks for Chelsea and Newcastle may serve as an early Christmas gift for Arne Slot, offering Liverpool a chance to gain pace in the top four race against Tottenham

Chelsea and Newcastle dropped points in the race for the top four(Image: Getty Images)

Chelsea and Newcastle have handed Arne Slot a timely boost after they dropped points in the Premier League.

Enzo Maresca's side staged a comeback from two goals down to secure an encouraging 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park. The match started disastrously for the Blues, with Nick Woltemade giving Newcastle the lead after just three minutes following a goal-line scramble. The German forward doubled his tally before the 20-minute mark.

Chelsea bounced back in the second half, with Reece James reducing the deficit with a brilliant free-kick. Joao Pedro then converted a one-on-one chance to level the score and earn the draw.

Newcastle was denied a penalty when Trevoh Chalobah bodychecked Anthony Gordon inside the box just before Chelsea drew level.

An explanation from the Premier League match center said: "The referee’s call of no penalty to Newcastle was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact from Chalobah on Gordon deemed to be side-to-side in a shielding action and the ball within playing distance."

Speaking after the match, Eddie Howe expressed his disagreement with the explanation given for the incident. He said: “Yeah, I thought the Anthony Gordon one was the standout one for me. I think anywhere else on the pitch, that's a blatant free kick.

“When I went to VAR and of course they check everything, I thought this was going to be overturned. It's a clear error, because that's a clear penalty, as I've seen. I think the defender only focuses on Ant.

“They've said it's shielding, but I don't agree with that analysis, so I'm really disappointed that wasn't given. Just this one decision I think was wrong. I think that's where VAR really should intervene. Yeah, it's a difficult one to work out. Seeing it live, I thought it was clear.”

The result means Chelsea sits seven points behind league leader Arsenal and trails Manchester City and Aston Villa by five and four points, respectively.

Eddie Howe didn't agree with the penalty decision(Image: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Newcastle has climbed to 11th under Howe with its latest point, moving ahead of Tottenham in the standings.

The Reds, along with Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Sunderland, all have the opportunity to catch up with the Blues if they secure victories.

Liverpool aims to extend its unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions after regaining form late in the season, highlighted by their recent victory over Brighton.

The Reds travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without Mohamed Salah, who is away at the Africa Cup of Nations amid ongoing speculation about his future.

Arne Slot faces a Spurs side that has claimed only two home league wins this season, with manager Thomas Frank under increasing pressure. Liverpool will be eager to capitalize and intensify that pressure in Saturday's clash.