Liverpool v Newcastle Match Report

Liverpool ended 2011 on a high as they bagged three points at Anfield against Newcastle in a 3-1 win.

The Reds suffered an early blow, when a ball from Toon Yohan Cabaye was deflected off Liverpool defender Daniel Agger's shoulder and past goalkeeper Pepe Reina into the net.

However only a few minutes later, Craig Bellamy leveled up the scoreboard when a dverted ball ended up at his feet before shooting it past the sea of blackand white shirts into the net. The Reds nearly went ahead in the first half but Martin Skrtel was unable to take full advantage of Bellamy's corner kick.

The second half saw a change of spirit when eventually manager Kenny Dalglish replaced Charlie Adam with captain Steven Gerrard, who has been on the bench for the last two games due to a long term injury.

His presence had an impact as the team pushed on for more goals. In the 67th minute, Bellamy scored his second goal of the evening from a free kick. Later he would have to leave the pitch for an injury suffered after an elbow to the head.

Newcastle came dangerously close to leveling up when a shot from striker Demba Ba went over Reina, but Skrtel bolted into the goal to make a significant clearance.

With 12 minutes left on the clock, Gerrard sealed the deal and three points with a third goal for Liverpool.

Although there were high hopes for former Newcastle player Andy Carroll to score, he was unable to capitalise on any chances, including hitting the crossbar once, but the chances were more easily created for him with Gerrard there.

Luis Suarez missed the game due to an imposed suspension by The FA after an obscene gesture made earlier in the month at Fulham.
Liverpool move into fifth place tonight, tied for points with Arsenal in fourth.

Newcastle v Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool walked away from St James Park with a 3-1 defeat against the Toons Saturday night.

Newly appointed Newcastle manager Alan Pardew saw his side take an early lead from a free-kick taken by Joey Barton, headed by Andy Carroll, and then at the feet of Kevin Nolan who put it into the net.

Liverpool tried to equalise nearly immediately following the Newcastle goal, however Maxi Rodriguez headed the ball over the crossbar after a decent cross from Glen Johnson.

Just after halftime, Reds’ midfielder Dirk Kuyt equalised from a deflection and past Newcastle keeper Tim Krul.

Liverpool’s defensive seemed absent from the pitch as Nile Ranger, who replaced Ameobi, assisted the Joey Barton goal in the 79th minute, making it 2-1.

An unmarked Andy Carroll polished off the win in extra time with the Toons’ third and final goal.

The win put Newcastle in 8th and pushed Liverpool back to 9th on the Barclays Premier League table.

Newcastle v Liverpool Match Preview

Newly appointed Newcastle manager Alan Pardew will see his first Premier League match at St James’ Park against Liverpool Saturday evening.

Pardew has a lot to prove to the Toon fans’ after he he may receive backlash by replacing Chris Houghton.

Newcastle have only taken two points from their last five matches and our 12th on the Premier League table.

Meanwhile Liverpool, sitting in 8th place, have won five out of their last eight games.

After a very rocky start for manager Roy Hodgson, his side seem to finally be going in the right direction and are still aiming for that top four finish.

However the Reds seem to struggle from home, winning only once away.

The record against Newcastle is very strong, with Liverpool winning 5-1 at Newcastle and then 3-0 at Anfield two years ago.

Liverpool have no new injuries, but continue to be without Captain Steven Gerrard, who is expected to make his comeback next week.

Jamie Carragher, Jay Spearing and Daniel Agger are also still out. Keeper Pepe Reina will retain the Captaincy.

Striker Fernando Torres will be back after his absence last week due to the birth of his second child.

Newcastle’s Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson will be serving the last of their three-match ban.

Joey Barton, Steve Harper, Danny Guthrie and Kevin Nolan are all being monitored for fitness and may make an appearance Saturday on the pitch.

Hatem Ben Arfa, Dan Gosling and Ryan Taylor are all still sidelined.

Kick-off is at 17:30 GMT and will be shown live on ESPN in the UK.