Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino’s poor finishing cost Liverpool the maximum three points as they were held to a 0-0 Premier League draw at Newcastle United on Wednesday.
The draw was the champions second successive against struggling opponents.
Juergen Klopp’s side had the chance to open up a five-point lead at the top of the table, but a combination of wastefulness and Newcastle’s valiant rearguard kept them at bay.
Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow also produced a couple of fine saves.
Liverpool were held 1-1 by second-bottom West Bromwich Albion on Sunday and also drew with struggling Fulham earlier this month.
Klopp’s team lead the table going into the New Year with 33 points from 16 games, but second-placed Manchester United are only three points behind with a match in hand.
“You might not think I have to tip my hat to my team but I like the performance,” Klopp said.
“It was really good, can we play better football? Yes, but in this game we did more than enough to win it.
“The boys are frustrated and rightly so but not about the performance. You have to respect the result. It won’t stay like this forever and I know the boys will finish these situations.”
Newcastle climbed a place to 14th, eight points above the bottom three.
Liverpool enjoyed overwhelming possession early on but lacked their usual zip and it gave heart to a Newcastle side who had lost two and drawn one of their last three league games.