Raheem Sterling's ninth-minute goal has given Liverpool a 1-0 half-time lead against Newcastle United in this evening's Premier League clash at Anfield.

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The visitors started on the front foot as they pressed forward on a number of occasions, with the Reds giving the ball away and being caught on the break several times in the opening stages.

Despite Liverpool's shaky start, they went on to open the scoring in the eighth minute as Jordan Henderson's crossfield pass found Sterling, who stormed into the box, cut inside and curled the ball into the net.

Newcastle were deflated following their early setback and soon found themselves under the cosh as the hosts grew in confidence and dominated possession.

John Carver's charges mustered a half-chance in the 21st minute when Ayoze Perez's cross from the left missed the head of Gabriel Obertan, but the Reds regained the ball and broke forward once again.

Philippe Coutinho in particular proved a thorn in Newcastle's side as his pace and skill sliced through their defence time and time again.

For all of Liverpool's efforts, they risked big when Perez charged into the box before being brought down by Dejan Lovren, but the referee waved away Newcastle's appeals.

The pendulum then swung the way of the visitors as Perez forced a smart save from Simon Mignolet and Mehdi Abeid skied an effort wide on the stroke of half time, but the Reds held firm to lead at the break.