An own goal by Martin Skrtel has gifted Newcastle United the lead against Liverpool in today's Premier League finale at Anfield.
The first effort of the game came from Shola Ameobi, whose header after just five minutes flew wide of the target, but the home side countered four minutes later when Steven Gerrard whipped in a dangerous cross into the Magpies box.
The referee, however, stopped play for offside, denying Daniel Sturridge an opportunity to open fire.
Phil Dowd would incur the wrath of the Liverpool fans on a number of occasions in the first half after waving away penalty appeals for the home side after Jordan Henderson was fouled, while also chalking off a Luis Suarez set-piece goal for offside in the 18th minute.
Much to the chagrin of the home crowd, the Magpies took the lead just two minutes after that incident, and it came courtesy of an own goal by Skrtel, whose miskick saw the ball trickling into the far corner off the bottom of his shin.
If the scoreline remains the same at the final whistle, then Manchester City, who are currently beating West Ham United 1-0, will win the Premier League title.
Giuseppe Labellarte
