Steven Gerrard continued his long awaited return from injury by netting Liverpool’s third goal as they beat Newcastle 3-1.
Newcastle had taken a first half lead through a Daniel Agger own goal, but two goals by Welsh striker Craig Bellamy put the Reds in charge. Gerrard then sealed the win with a good finish that lifted the roof off Anfield.
Liverpool dominated possession in the early stages without creating any clear cut chances, but the Magpes stunned Anfield by taking a 25th minute lead against the run of play.
Ryan Taylor’s probing cross was flicked on by Yohan Cabaye, and Danish defender Agger deflected the ball past Jose Reina and into his own net.
The goal brought an almost immediate response from Liverpool. Charlie Adam sent in a low cross that was only half cleared by Cheick Tiote. Bellamy seized upon the clearance, and beat Tim Krul with a low finish into the corner.
The Anfield crowd was lifted by Liverpool’s equalizer, and Martin Skrtel almost put the Reds in front but his header drifted just wide. Charlie Adam also went close but could not convert and the teams went into the half-time interval locked at 1-1.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish introduced Gerrard from the bench in the 59th minute, and the returning skipper was met with a rapturous ovation from the home support.
Gerrard made a positive impact, and Liverpool took a 67th minute lead when Craig Bellamy fired home a direct free kick that took a deflection off Danny Simpson.
Newcastle almost responded with an equalizer, but leading goal scorer Demba Ba’s chip over Reina was cleared off the goal line by Skrtel.
After surviving that scare, Liverpool turned the screw and almost added a third when striker Andy Carroll headed against the crossbar. Gerrard then iced the game when he collected a Jordan Henderson pass and fired past Krul.
The win lifts Liverpool up to fifth in the Premier League table and extends their unbeaten streak to five games. With a fit and firing Gerrard going into 2012, Reds fans will be hoping for a return to the top four for the Anfield club.
LINEUPS
LIV – Reina, Johnson, Jose Enrique, Agger, Skrtel, Henderson, Downing, Spearing, Adam (Gerrard 59), Carroll, Bellamy (Kuyt 74).
NEW – Krul, Coloccini, Simpson, Williamson, R Taylor (Santon 46), Cabaye, Gutierrez, Tiote, Obertan (Sammy Ameobi 84), Vuckic (Ben Arfa 65), Ba.
SCORING SUMMARY
NEW – Daniel Agger (own goal) 25’
LIV – Craig Bellamy (unassisted) 29’
LIV – Craig Bellamy (unassisted) 67’
LIV – Steven Gerrard (Jordan Henderson) 78’
LiveSoccerTV Man of the Match: Craig Bellamy (Liverpool)
Attendance: 44,372
Liverpool dominated possession in the early stages without creating any clear cut chances, but the Magpes stunned Anfield by taking a 25th minute lead against the run of play.
Ryan Taylor’s probing cross was flicked on by Yohan Cabaye, and Danish defender Agger deflected the ball past Jose Reina and into his own net.
The goal brought an almost immediate response from Liverpool. Charlie Adam sent in a low cross that was only half cleared by Cheick Tiote. Bellamy seized upon the clearance, and beat Tim Krul with a low finish into the corner.
The Anfield crowd was lifted by Liverpool’s equalizer, and Martin Skrtel almost put the Reds in front but his header drifted just wide. Charlie Adam also went close but could not convert and the teams went into the half-time interval locked at 1-1.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish introduced Gerrard from the bench in the 59th minute, and the returning skipper was met with a rapturous ovation from the home support.
Gerrard made a positive impact, and Liverpool took a 67th minute lead when Craig Bellamy fired home a direct free kick that took a deflection off Danny Simpson.
Newcastle almost responded with an equalizer, but leading goal scorer Demba Ba’s chip over Reina was cleared off the goal line by Skrtel.
After surviving that scare, Liverpool turned the screw and almost added a third when striker Andy Carroll headed against the crossbar. Gerrard then iced the game when he collected a Jordan Henderson pass and fired past Krul.
The win lifts Liverpool up to fifth in the Premier League table and extends their unbeaten streak to five games. With a fit and firing Gerrard going into 2012, Reds fans will be hoping for a return to the top four for the Anfield club.
LINEUPS
LIV – Reina, Johnson, Jose Enrique, Agger, Skrtel, Henderson, Downing, Spearing, Adam (Gerrard 59), Carroll, Bellamy (Kuyt 74).
NEW – Krul, Coloccini, Simpson, Williamson, R Taylor (Santon 46), Cabaye, Gutierrez, Tiote, Obertan (Sammy Ameobi 84), Vuckic (Ben Arfa 65), Ba.
SCORING SUMMARY
NEW – Daniel Agger (own goal) 25’
LIV – Craig Bellamy (unassisted) 29’
LIV – Craig Bellamy (unassisted) 67’
LIV – Steven Gerrard (Jordan Henderson) 78’
LiveSoccerTV Man of the Match: Craig Bellamy (Liverpool)
Attendance: 44,372
