Bellamy (67)
Gerrard (78)
Anfield
Barclays Premier League
(Attendance: 44,372)
Liverpool 3 Newcastle United 1
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
At Anfield
Liverpool 3 (Bellamy 29, 67; Gerrard 78)
Newcastle United 1 (Agger og 25)
Newcastle United ended 2011 in disappointing fashion with a 3-1 defeat away at Liverpool in the Premier League.
The Magpies took the lead midway through the first half when Yohan Cabaye's headed flick-on was knocked into his own net by defender Daniel Agger.
But the Reds always looked a threat going forward and equalised almost straight away when Craig Bellamy pounced on a loose ball to fire home.
The former Newcastle forward then netted his, and Liverpool's, second direct from a free-kick after the break, and it was left to substitute Steven Gerrard to complete the scoring with a neat one-on-one finish.
A fast-paced opening period in wet conditions saw Liverpool create the first chance with six minutes on the clock.
Centre-back Agger picked up the ball around the halfway line and strode forward before unleashing a left-footed shot across the face of goal, but his effort was well off target.
The hosts continued to press and the almost found an opening when ex-Magpies Bellamy and Jose Enrique combined down the left for the latter to flash a cross through the six-yard box which was crying out for a finishing touch.
Another former United man, striker Andy Carroll, tried his luck on 18 minutes when he turned on a loose ball inside the box, only to see his shot blocked by teammate Bellamy. Then, with the visitors trying to clear their lines, Gabriel Obertan got in a mix-up with referee Lee Probert and the ball fell kindly for Charlie Adam to drive over the top from 25 yards.
Liverpool were well on top by this point and winger Stewart Downing cut in off the right flank to fire a low strike with his favoured left foot, which keeper Tim Krul did well to keep hold.
But completely against the run of play, Newcastle took the lead in the 25th minute. Youngster Haris Vuckic did brilliantly to close down a clearance, taking a ball in the face for his troubles, and when it ran to Jonas Gutierrez, he teed up Ryan Taylor to swing a cross into the hosts' box.
Cabaye rose brilliantly to flick goalwards, and the ball struck the shoulder of Ba, wrong-footing Pepe Reina on its way into the back of the net.
Liverpool were not shell-shocked though and pulled themselves level within five minutes. United struggled to clear their lines from some heavy pressure, and when Adam's cross was only cleared by Cheick Tiote as far as Bellamy, the front man duly drilled it home in front of the Kop.
Having equalised, the Reds went in search of another goal and centre-back Martin Skrtel was inches away when he glanced Bellamy's corner just wide, having met it at the near post.
With half-time approaching Vuckic flashed a long distance half-volley well over the top after being fed by Ba, and Cabaye suffered the same fate from a similar position.
At the break, United boss Alan Pardew introduced Italian international Davide Santon in place of left-back Ryan Taylor, who had suffered a tough opening period against Downing.
But the Reds' winger still carved out the first opportunity of the second half, although fired his strike from distance miles over the top.
In the 59th minute, a superb spell of possession by Newcastle was eventually ended by a foul around 30 yards out, but Cabaye was unable to get the resulting free-kick on target.
And Liverpool promptly introduced Gerrard into the action, with the England midfielder continuing his rehabilitation following an ankle injury.
The arrival of the hosts' skipper could not have been more emphatic. Within minutes Gerrard had cut through the Newcastle defence with an inch-perfect pass into the path of Carroll. But, clean through on goal, the big striker's touch was heavy and the ball ran on to a grateful Krul.
Liverpool only had to wait a couple of more minutes though to edge themselves in front. After Cheick Tiote had fouled Jordan Henderson 25 yards out, Bellamy curled the free-kick goalwards and watched it somehow sneak through a gap in between Krul and full-back Danny Simpson.
Ba was convinced he had equalised in the 70th minute, and he would have done were it not for an outstanding piece of defending from Skrtel.
Cabaye's intelligent pass allowed Ba to sneak in behind the Liverpool defence and he clipped the ball past Reina, only to see Skrtel race back and clear from underneath his own crossbar.
But the action was soon back up the other end, and Carroll crashed a header against the crossbar having risen above MIke Williamson to connect with Gerrard's cross.
And it was Gerrard who put the result beyond any doubt 12 minutes from time, receiving Jordan Henderson's through ball to take a touch and slot under the on-rushing Krul from a tight angle.
Liverpool (4-3-3): Pepe Reina; Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Jose Enrique; Jordan Henderson, Jay Spearing, Charlie Adam (Steven Gerrard 59); Stewart Downing, Andy Carroll, Craig Bellamy (Dirk Kuyt 74)
Subs not used: Alexander Doni, Martin Kelly, Jamie Carragher, Jonjo Shelvey, Maxi Rodriguez
Newcastle United (4-4-1-1): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Ryan Taylor (Davide Santon 46); Gabriel Obertan (Sammy Ameobi 84), Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Jonas Gutierrez; Haris Vuckic (Hatem Ben Arfa 65); Demba Ba
Subs not used: Rob Elliot, James Perch, Shola Ameobi, Leon Best
Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire)
Attendance: 44,372 (2,000 Newcastle)
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Stewart Downing(Liverpool) left-footed from right channel (35+ yards), over the bar.
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken short by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Glen Johnson(Liverpool) left-footed from right channel (25 yards), missed left.
Cross by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken short by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Cross by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool), clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken short by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Newcastle substitution: Gabriel Obertan replaced by Sammy Ameobi (tactical). Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Glen Johnson(Liverpool), comfortable save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Andy Carroll(Liverpool) on Cheick Tiote(Newcastle). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Attacking throw-in by Glen Johnson(Liverpool).
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Shot by Glen Johnson(Liverpool) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), missed left.
Cross by Stewart Downing(Liverpool), clearance by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Foul by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool) on Demba Ba(Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from right channel, clearance by Dirk Kuyt(Liverpool).
Goal by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) left-footed (bottom-right of goal) from left side of penalty area (12 yards).Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle. Assist (pass) by Jordan Henderson(Liverpool) from left channel.
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Jordan Henderson(Liverpool) to near post, clearance by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Cross by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool), resulting in ball out of play.
Defending throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Defending throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Liverpool substitution: Craig Bellamy replaced by Dirk Kuyt (injury).
Cross by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool), header by Andy Carroll(Liverpool) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), hit bar.
Cross by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool), clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Foul by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) on Stewart Downing(Liverpool). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Stewart Downing(Liverpool) from right wing, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Shot by Demba Ba(Newcastle) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool).
Defending throw-in by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Craig Bellamy(Liverpool) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) on Daniel Agger(Liverpool). Free kick scored by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from left channel (25 yards).Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle. Assist by Daniel Agger(Liverpool) from left channel.
Defending throw-in by Glen Johnson(Liverpool).
Newcastle substitution: Haris Vuckic replaced by Hatem Ben Arfa (tactical).
Cross by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool), resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool), resulting in ball out of play.
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Cross by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle), clearance by Daniel Agger(Liverpool).
Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Liverpool substitution: Charlie Adam replaced by Steven Gerrard (tactical).
Foul by Jay Spearing(Liverpool) on Haris Vuckic(Newcastle). Free kick taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from left channel (30 yards), missed right.
Demba Ba(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Jay Spearing(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
Craig Bellamy(Liverpool) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Davide Santon(Newcastle) on Stewart Downing(Liverpool). Free kick crossed right-footed by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool) from right by-line, foul by Andy Carroll(Liverpool) on Mike Williamson(Newcastle). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by Stewart Downing(Liverpool) left-footed from left channel (30 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Cross by Haris Vuckic(Newcastle), clearance by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool) to far post, foul by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool) on Demba Ba(Newcastle). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Cross by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool), blocked by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Newcastle substitution: Ryan Taylor replaced by Davide Santon (tactical).
Shot by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (30 yards), over the bar.
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Foul by Haris Vuckic(Newcastle) on Glen Johnson(Liverpool). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool), resulting in ball out of play.
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool) to near post, clearance by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Shot by Jay Spearing(Liverpool) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), blocked by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Cross by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool), resulting in open play. Stewart Downing(Liverpool) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Glen Johnson(Liverpool).
Cross by Glen Johnson(Liverpool), clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Cross by Stewart Downing(Liverpool), clearance by Haris Vuckic(Newcastle).
Corner from right by-line taken short left-footed by Stewart Downing(Liverpool).
Cross by Daniel Agger(Liverpool), clearance by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool).
Cross by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool), clearance by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Shot by Haris Vuckic(Newcastle) left-footed from left channel (30 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Foul by Demba Ba(Newcastle) on Jay Spearing(Liverpool). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Cross by Jordan Henderson(Liverpool), clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Foul by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) on Stewart Downing(Liverpool). Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Glen Johnson(Liverpool) from right wing, resulting in open play.
Foul by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) on Charlie Adam(Liverpool). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Charlie Adam(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Charlie Adam(Liverpool) on Cheick Tiote(Newcastle). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool) to near post, header by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed right.
Defending throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Foul by Charlie Adam(Liverpool) on Cheick Tiote(Newcastle). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Foul by Danny Simpson(Newcastle) on Craig Bellamy(Liverpool). Free kick crossed right-footed by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool) from left wing, clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle). Shot by Stewart Downing(Liverpool) left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Assist (cross) by Charlie Adam(Liverpool) from right wing.
Goal by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (18 yards).Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle.
Cross by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool), clearance by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle). Cross by Daniel Agger(Liverpool), clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Foul by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) on Jay Spearing(Liverpool). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Charlie Adam(Liverpool) to centre, clearance by Haris Vuckic(Newcastle).
Foul by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) on Glen Johnson(Liverpool). Free kick crossed left-footed by Charlie Adam(Liverpool) from right wing, blocked by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour.
Cross by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle), header by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), resulting in open play. Headed own goal by Daniel Agger(Liverpool) (low centre of goal) from own half (6 yards).Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle. Assist by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area.
Cross by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle), header by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), headed own goal by Daniel Agger(Liverpool) (low centre of goal) from own half (6 yards).Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle. Assist by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area.Blocked by Daniel Agger(Liverpool).
Cross by Danny Simpson(Newcastle), clearance by Glen Johnson(Liverpool).
Cross by Demba Ba(Newcastle), clearance by Daniel Agger(Liverpool).
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Cross by Stewart Downing(Liverpool), save (punched) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) on Glen Johnson(Liverpool). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Charlie Adam(Liverpool) from right wing, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Glen Johnson(Liverpool).
Defending throw-in by Glen Johnson(Liverpool).
Defending throw-in by Glen Johnson(Liverpool).
Shot by Stewart Downing(Liverpool) left-footed from right channel (20 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Charlie Adam(Liverpool) left-footed from left channel (30 yards), over the bar.
Shot by Andy Carroll(Liverpool) right-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool).
Cross by Stewart Downing(Liverpool), clearance by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Cross by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool), resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken short by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Attacking throw-in by Glen Johnson(Liverpool).
Cross by Glen Johnson(Liverpool), clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Glen Johnson(Liverpool).
Attacking throw-in by Jordan Henderson(Liverpool).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Cross by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool), clearance by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken short by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Attacking throw-in by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool).
Attacking throw-in by Glen Johnson(Liverpool).
Defending throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Daniel Agger(Liverpool) drilled left-footed from left channel (30 yards), missed right.
Demba Ba(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Jose Reina(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Cross by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle), clearance by Glen Johnson(Liverpool).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Stewart Downing(Liverpool) to centre, clearance by Haris Vuckic(Newcastle).
Cross by Daniel Agger(Liverpool), resulting in open play.
Cross by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Craig Bellamy(Liverpool) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.