Cisse (59)
Sports Direct Arena
Barclays Premier League
(Attendance: 52,363)
Newcastle 2 Liverpool 0
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
At the Sports Direct Arena
Newcastle United 2 (Cisse 19, 59)
Liverpool 0
A goal in each half from Papiss Cisse earned Newcastle a 2-0 win over ten-man Liverpool in Premier League action on Sunday.
The Senegalese striker headed home midway through the first half, before rounding Reds keeper Pepe Reina and slotting home after the break - taking his tally at the Club to seven goals in seven appearances.
And it was a miserable afternoon for Reina, who was sent off late on for a spat with United centre-back James Perch.
The Magpies dominated for large spells at the Sports Direct Arena and were well worth all three points, as Demba Ba, Mike Williamson and Cisse all threatened to extend their advantage even further.
And it was a huge win for the hosts, who strengthened their grip on sixth place and their hopes of a place in Europe next season.
A bright opening by both sides saw Liverpool carve out the first opportunity on four minutes when Jonjo Shelvey's 20-yard strike was deflected onto the roof of the net, but United went straight up the other end and Ben Arfa had a penalty appeal turned down when he tumbled under the challenge of former Magpie Jose Enrique.
Martin Skrtel then connected with a Steven Gerrard free-kick, only to head well over the top from close range, while another ex-United man, Carroll, soon found himself in referee Martin Atkinson's book for diving, having gone down untouched by goalkeeper Tim Krul.
The hosts' Dutch stopper was then called into action in the 15th minute, superbly tipping Craig Bellamy's deflected cross onto the bar, before Danny Simpson reacted quickly from the resulting corner to clear off the line and prevent Carroll from scrambling an opener.
But it was United who made the breakthrough, and it came on 19 minutes through the prolific Cisse, netting his sixth goal since his arrival on Tyneside in January.
Ben Arfa tricked his way first past Jay Spearing and then Shelvey, before curling a cross to the far post where Cisse rose above Martin Skrtel to head back across goal and in off the far post.
Liverpool were shocked and it took them almost ten minutes to force any kind of response. When it came it was through Carroll, who headed a loose ball over from close range, having seen Williamson cut out Bellamy's initial cross.
But the home side weren't content with one goal and refused to sit back on their lead. Ba almost doubled their advantage with a deflected strike that had Reina beaten, while from the resulting corner centre-back Williamson couldn't get his header on target.
With four minutes of the half remaining, Cisse was inches away from grabbing his second of the afternoon. Danny Guthrie seized on a loose ball by the corner flag, and when he chipped in a cross to the near post, Cisse glanced an effort agonisingly the wrong side of the far upright.
As the second half got underway, United continued where they had left off and Williamson struck the base of the post with a superb header after the visitors had failed to properly clear a Cabaye free-kick.
A rare Liverpool attack on 58 minutes saw Krul comfortably deal with a 20-yard effort from Shelvey, but Newcastle hit back immediately to double their advantage.
When Ba picked the ball up on the left of the penalty area he attempted to slip it into the path of Ben Arfa, and even though the French international was muscled out of the way, Cisse was on hand to collect, round Reina and tap into the unguarded net.
A mix-up in the Magpies' defence almost gifted Liverpool a way back into the contest, as Krul and James Perch both went for the same cross. The loose ball fell to Luis Suarez, but Perch recovered to throw himself in the way of the forward's shot and divert it behind for a corner.
United boss Alan Pardew made a couple of changes to freshen up his ranks, first replacing Danny Guthrie with Dan Gosling, before introducing Shola Ameobi for goal-hero Cisse, who left the Sports Direct Arena pitch to a deserve standing ovation.
Liverpool responded with three changes in four minutes, hoping to force their way back into the game, and Carroll, Bellamy and Shelvey were all replaced by Dirk Kuyt, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing.
But the Reds' cause got a lot harder in the 82nd minute as they were reduced to ten men. Williamson headed straight at Reina, who didn't like the challenge of Perch which followed. The pair clashed, going head to head, and Perch was booked by referee Mr Atkinson, with Reina seeing red for an alleged head butt.
With the visitors having used all their substitutes it was left to full-back Enrique to take over in between the sticks, but Newcastle were unable to test the stand-in keeper as they completed a memorable victory in front of a sell-out crowd.
Newcastle United (4-3-3): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, James Perch, Jonas Gutierrez (c); Danny Guthrie (Dan Gosling 65), Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye; Hatem Ben Arfa (Davide Santon 90), Papiss Cisse (Shola Ameobi 74), Demba Ba
Subs not used: Rob Elliot, Shane Ferguson, Ryan Taylor, Haris Vuckic
Liverpool (4-4-2): Pepe Reina; Jon Flanagan, Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Jose Enrique; Jonjo Shelvey (Stewart Downing 76), Steven Gerrard (c), Jay Spearing, Craig Bellamy (Jordan Henderson 80); Andy Carroll (Dirk Kuyt 79), Luis Suarez
Subs not used: Alexander Doni, Fabio Aurelio, Sebastian Coates, Maxi Rodriguez
Referee: Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire)
Attendance: 52,363
Attacking throw-in by Luis Suarez(Liverpool).
Foul by James Perch(Newcastle) on Luis Suarez(Liverpool). Free kick crossed right-footed by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) from right wing, clearance by James Perch(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Jon Flanagan(Liverpool).
Cross by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle), clearance by Jon Flanagan(Liverpool).
Dirk Kuyt(Liverpool) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Newcastle substitution: Hatem Ben Arfa replaced by Davide Santon (tactical). Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Corner from right by-line taken short right-footed by Luis Suarez(Liverpool).
Foul by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) on Luis Suarez(Liverpool). Free kick crossed right-footed by Luis Suarez(Liverpool) from right wing, clearance by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle).
Foul by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) on Jay Spearing(Liverpool). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Stewart Downing(Liverpool) to far post, resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by James Perch(Newcastle) on Jose Reina(Liverpool). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
James Perch(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour.Jose Reina(Liverpool) dismissed for violent conduct.
Cross by Dan Gosling(Newcastle), header by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Foul by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool) on Shola Ameobi(Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from left wing, resulting in open play.
Luis Suarez(Liverpool) caught offside. Liverpool substitution: Andy Carroll replaced by Dirk Kuyt (tactical).Liverpool substitution: Craig Bellamy replaced by Jordan Henderson (tactical). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) drilled right-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Cross by Jon Flanagan(Liverpool), shot by Andy Carroll(Liverpool) drilled right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by James Perch(Newcastle).
Cross by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle), clearance by Jamie Carragher(Liverpool).
Attacking throw-in by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle).
Cross by Danny Simpson(Newcastle), clearance by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool).
Attacking throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Liverpool substitution: Jonjo Shelvey replaced by Stewart Downing (tactical).
Attacking throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Newcastle substitution: Papiss Cisse replaced by Shola Ameobi (tactical). Attacking throw-in by Jon Flanagan(Liverpool).
Cross by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool), comfortable save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Papiss Cisse(Newcastle) on Martin Skrtel(Liverpool). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
Papiss Cisse(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Jose Reina(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
Cross by Luis Suarez(Liverpool), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Andy Carroll(Liverpool), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Shot by Demba Ba(Newcastle) drilled right-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool).
Andy Carroll(Liverpool) caught offside. Newcastle substitution: Danny Guthrie replaced by Dan Gosling (injury). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Shot by Luis Suarez(Liverpool) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by James Perch(Newcastle). Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Luis Suarez(Liverpool) to centre, shot by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool) drilled right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by James Perch(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Goal by Papiss Cisse(Newcastle) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Newcastle 2-0 Liverpool. Assist (pass) by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) from right side of penalty area.
Shot by Jonjo Shelvey(Liverpool) drilled left-footed from left channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Cross by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Foul by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool) on Papiss Cisse(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Cross by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Foul by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool) on James Perch(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 Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) on Jon Flanagan(Liverpool). Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
Cross by Danny Guthrie(Newcastle), header by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) from left side of penalty area (12 yards), hit post.
Foul by Jon Flanagan(Liverpool) on Demba Ba(Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from left wing, clearance by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool).
Cross by Andy Carroll(Liverpool), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Jon Flanagan(Liverpool) on Cheick Tiote(Newcastle). Jon Flanagan(Liverpool) booked for unsporting behaviour. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Jon Flanagan(Liverpool).
Attacking throw-in by Demba Ba(Newcastle).
Shot by Danny Guthrie(Newcastle) drilled right-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Jamie Carragher(Liverpool). Papiss Cisse(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Jose Reina(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Jon Flanagan(Liverpool).
Craig Bellamy(Liverpool) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Cross by Danny Guthrie(Newcastle), header by Papiss Cisse(Newcastle) from right side of penalty area (6 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken short by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) to far post, save (parried) by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Foul by Jon Flanagan(Liverpool) on Demba Ba(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Cross by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool), resulting in open play.
Cross by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Header by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Shot by Demba Ba(Newcastle) drilled right-footed from left channel (35 yards), blocked by Jon Flanagan(Liverpool). Corner from right by-line taken short right-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle).
Cross by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle), clearance by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) to far post, resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken short by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Cross by Jonjo Shelvey(Liverpool), resulting in ball out of play. Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Handball by Jonjo Shelvey(Liverpool). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Foul by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) on Luis Suarez(Liverpool). Papiss Cisse(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jay Spearing(Liverpool) from right channel, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Jon Flanagan(Liverpool).
Shot by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) drilled right-footed from left channel (30 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Header by Andy Carroll(Liverpool) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Andy Carroll(Liverpool), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Foul by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) on Andy Carroll(Liverpool). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Cross by Danny Simpson(Newcastle), comfortable save (caught) by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Cross by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle). Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Foul by Luis Suarez(Liverpool) on Mike Williamson(Newcastle). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Cross by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle), comfortable save (caught) by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Headed goal by Papiss Cisse(Newcastle) (bottom-right of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool. Assist (cross) by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) from right channel.
Defending throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Foul by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) on Andy Carroll(Liverpool). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Jonjo Shelvey(Liverpool) on Papiss Cisse(Newcastle). Jonjo Shelvey(Liverpool) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick crossed left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) from right wing, resulting in ball out of play. Defending throw-in by Jon Flanagan(Liverpool).
Cross by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool), clearance by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) to far post, clearance by Danny Simpson(Newcastle). Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Craig Bellamy(Liverpool) to centre, header by Andy Carroll(Liverpool) from left side of penalty area (12 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Demba Ba(Newcastle), comfortable save (caught) by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Cross by Danny Guthrie(Newcastle), clearance by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Foul by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool) on Papiss Cisse(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from right channel, resulting in open play.
Foul by Andy Carroll(Liverpool) on Danny Simpson(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from right wing, header by Papiss Cisse(Newcastle) from right side of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Defending throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Foul by Andy Carroll(Liverpool) on Tim Krul(Newcastle). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Andy Carroll(Liverpool) booked for unsporting behaviour.
Foul by James Perch(Newcastle) on Luis Suarez(Liverpool). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) from right wing, header by Martin Skrtel(Liverpool) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Cross by Luis Suarez(Liverpool), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Liverpool).
Cross by Demba Ba(Newcastle), comfortable save (caught) by Jose Reina(Liverpool).
Shot by Jonjo Shelvey(Liverpool) drilled right-footed from left channel (25 yards), blocked by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard(Liverpool) to near post, clearance by Papiss Cisse(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Jon Flanagan(Liverpool).
Goal kick taken short by Jose Reina(Liverpool).