Liverpool ended their 2013-14 season on a winning note this afternoon, but their 2-1 victory over Newcastle United was not enough for them to overhaul Manchester City at the top of the table.
The Reds fell behind in the first half when Martin Skrtel sliced a cross past his own keeper for his fourth own goal of the season.
They fought back after the break, however, scoring two identical goals in as many minutes as first Daniel Agger and then Daniel Sturridge converted at the back post from Steven Gerrard free kicks.
Newcastle ended the game with just nine men as Shola Ameobi was shown two yellow cards in the space of 10 seconds for dissent before Paul Dummett was given his marching orders late on.
You can read how an anti-climatic afternoon unfolded for Liverpool courtesy of Sports Mole's minute-by-minute coverage below.
Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for the final-day meeting between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield. There is still an outside chance of Liverpool ending their 24-year title drought this afternoon, and this fixture is one that never fails to deliver, so we should be in for an entertaining encounter today. Let's start with a look at the hosts, who will be hoping that today is a day that lives long in the memory...
It all looked so good for Liverpool just two weeks ago. A narrow victory over Norwich had left the Premier League title in their hands going into the final three matches of the season and, on the back of a superb 11-match winning streak, it was hard to see anybody stopping them. However, Steven Gerrard's now-infamous slip and the monumental collapse at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace has put Manchester City right back in the driving seat, and it would take another shocking twist for the Sky Blues to throw the title away now.
It's not like this season has been short of twists and turns, however. It has been arguably the most enthralling title race in Premier League history, and it wouldn't be out of place for some final-day drama to have the last say. For Liverpool to win the title, they would need to first beat Newcastle here and then hope West Ham United beat Manchester City at the Etihad.
Admittedly, a Hammers win at the Etihad is hard to envision, but Liverpool need look no further back than Monday night as proof that anything can happen in the Premier League. Cruising at 3-0 against Crystal Palace and looking to improve their goal difference even further, the previously goal-shy Eagles produced a stunning comeback in the last 12 minutes to draw the game 3-3. Had Liverpool held on then a draw may have been enough for them in the City game today, but now they need a West Ham win after that collapse.
Whatever happens at the Etihad today, it should not be forgotten that this season has surpassed all expectations for the Reds. Even the most ardent of Liverpool fans would have scoffed if you had suggested they would be in with a chance of winning the title on the final day of the season, with a more realistic goal at the beginning of the campaign being a battle for a top four finish. They are already guaranteed a place in the Champions League group stages next season and can finish no lower than third.
That is a drastic improvement on their seventh-placed finish last season, and Brendan Rodgers has admitted that his side are ahead of schedule in their plans. However, there is a growing feeling that this season will be their best chance to win the title for a while, while City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United all expected to significantly improve next season. Whether Liverpool can match their improvement remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that it would be a big chance missed if they don't end their 24-year wait for the league title this season.
The way they have played has drawn plenty of plaudits as well, and they will surely break the 100-goal barrier for the first time in their Premier League history today. They are currently one goal short of the landmark and face a battle with Manchester City to reach Chelsea's overall Premier League record of 103 goals in a season - set in 2010. It is the defence that has been Liverpool's Achilles heel, however, and after many warning shots it came back to haunt them against Palace on Monday.
Despite their recent slip-ups, Liverpool have only been beaten once in the league all year - a run that stretches back 18 matches and included an 11-game winning streak. Their home record is even more impressive and, if they pick up three points this afternoon, they will end the campaign with the second-best home record in the division. They have lost just two of their last 27 outings at Anfield in all competitions, although their last match here saw them beaten by Chelsea.
There is everything to play for for Liverpool, then, but Newcastle have seemingly been on holiday since the turn of the year. Some good early-season form has been tainted with a poor run in recent months, resulting in manager Alan Pardew coming under increasing pressure from the fans. They even staged a walk-out in the last match against Cardiff, despite their side going on to claim a 3-0 win.
Despite the growing unrest around the club, they are actually in line for a vast improvement on their last campaign. Should Stoke fail to win in their match today then Newcastle would be guaranteed ninth place in the table - seven places better off than last season. Perspective is an important thing in football, though, and the team's dreadful form in the second half of the campaign has certainly not helped matters. Coupled with the sale of Cabaye and Pardew's headbutt, it is easy to see why fans are unhappy.
Should they fail to win at Anfield today and Stoke beat West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns then they would drop to 10th place in the table - a position they could have no complaints with. They have scored the fewest number of goals in the top half this season, netting just 42 times, while their tally of 18 defeats is also the most in the top 10 and three more than 17th-placed West Brom have suffered. Only one team outside the bottom three has conceded more goals than the Magpies this season, which is an ominous statistic going into a traditionally high-scoring fixture against a rampant Liverpool attack.
The good news for Newcastle is that their run of six consecutive defeats finally came to an end in their last outing. The fans were given a stark reminder that things could be worse as they relegated Cardiff with a 3-0 victory last Saturday, although even that didn't seem to appease them. Indeed, an unlikely win this afternoon still may not be enough to save Pardew's job, with speculation growing that Newcastle are already looking to Ligue 1 for his replacement.
In addition to the poor results of late, the performances have been lacklustre and uninspiring. They have scored just five goals in their last nine matches - a tally that includes the three against Cardiff. Things are even worse away from home, where they have won just one of their last seven games, failing to score in the other six.
Unsurprisingly, their record against the top five is also far from exemplary this season, with Newcastle only picking up one win from the nine meetings with the league's high-flyers. That was an impressive 2-0 win over Chelsea, but that victory must feel like a long time ago for Newcastle fans.
Another statistic that doesn't bode well for the Magpies today is that they have lost all 13 of their Premier League matches in which they have been trailing at half time. When you consider Liverpool's penchant for starting quickly and usually scoring in the first half, it is likely that Newcastle will need to improve that league-worst record if they are to get anything out of today's game. They have also not won on the final day of the season since 2005-06, drawing two and losing four since the 1-0 victory over Chelsea on that occasion.
TEAM NEWS: Right, the teams are in for both sides and the biggest news for Liverpool's point of view is the return of Jordan Henderson, who is available again after suspension. He comes in for Lucas, who drops to the bench. Coutinho remains alongside his compatriot on the bench, with Joe Allen once again starting. Newcastle, meanwhile, have Shola Ameobi leading the line in the absence of the injured Cisse, but there is still no place in the squad for the exiled Ben Arfa. Full team news for both sides coming right up...
LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Flanagan; Henderson, Gerrard, Allen; Sterling, Suarez, Sturridge
LIVERPOOL SUBS: Jones, Toure, Sakho, Cissokho, Lucas, Coutinho, Aspas
NEWCASTLE STARTING XI: Krul; Taylor, Williamson, Coloccini, Haidara; Debuchy, Anita, Tiote, Gouffran, Sissoko; Shola Ameobi
NEWCASTLE SUBS: Elliot, Santon, Yanga-Mbiwa, Satka, Dummett, Sammy Ameobi, de Jong
So, what can we make of those two teams? Well, there are no surprises from the Liverpool side of things, with Henderson and Agger being restored to the starting lineup. The former was an ever-present before his red card against Manchester City forced him to miss the games against Norwich, Chelsea and Palace, so Rodgers will be glad to have him back. He will be joined in midfield, as ever, by Gerrard, who has enjoyed a magnificent campaign for the club this year. It is unfortunate that his season may be remembered for that slip, but he has done far more good than bad for the Reds this year.
One of the main stars of this Liverpool side has been Raheem Sterling, who has burst onto the scene with some stunning performances. He has improved his consistency as time has gone on and looks to be one of the brightest prospects in English football at the moment. He is expected to be on the plane to Brazil in the summer, and that would be a deserving reward for what has been a superb season for the youngster.
There is no doubt that the stars of the show come up front for the Reds, however. Suarez and Sturridge have forged a formidable partnership, scoring 51 goals between them already this season. Only Andy Cole and Peter Beardsley, with 55 in 1993-94, have been a more prolific partnership in Premier League history, and that is a target that they could feasibly challenge today. Suarez alone has 31 goals to his name in just 32 matches, and one more goal today would see him break the record for the highest-scoring 38-game season in the league's history. He is currently tied on 31 with Alan Shearer and Cristiano Ronaldo.
It is the defence that looks like being Liverpool's downfall this season, however. They have more or less matched Manchester City in the goalscoring stakes, but having conceded 12 more than their title rivals they could end up losing out on goal difference. They have had plenty of warning shots throughout the season, conceding numerous times to the likes of Norwich and Cardiff, and they finally got punished for it against Palace on Monday. The forwards have bailed them out a lot of times this season, but ultimately it could be the backline that costs Liverpool the title.
As for Newcastle, they have looked a lot less threatening since Cabaye's departure in January. The Magpies have certainly not been helped by matters off the field, but a large part of the fans' unrest stems from a perceived lack of fight and desire shown by the players on the field. They have certainly not been at their best during the latter stages of the season and will be keen for the campaign to end now.
The absence of Cisse is a blow for the Magpies, who are left with Shola Ameobi as their only fully fit striker. The long-serving Magpie could be making his farewell appearance for the club today, with speculation growing that he will leave St James' Park at the end of his current contract. While never established himself as a first-team regular or prolific goalscorer, he has been a good servant to the club and would want to finish with a goal today.
You'd suspect it is at the other end that most of the action will take place today, though, and the likes of Coloccini, Williamson and Krul are likely to be very busy throughout the 90 minutes. Should City draw today, Liverpool would need a 13-0 victory to win the title and, while such a result is beyond the realms of possibility, you wouldn't bet against a wounded Rodgers side taking out their frustrations on the visiting defence today.
PREDICTION: Right, we're 10 minutes from kickoff at Anfield for the final day of an enthralling Premier League season, so it is time for my prediction! I don't see anything other than a home win this afternoon, and a comfortable one at that. However, this result will be irrelevant depending on events at the Etihad, so even a thumping win may not be enough. Even so, I expect Liverpool to run riot today, and I'll go for a 5-0 home victory.
One thing we can expect this afternoon is a bagful of goals. In 39 Premier League meetings between these two sides there has never been a goalless draw, while the 126 goals in that time means that no fixture has seen more in the league's history. Back-to-back 4-3 games in the 1990s are considered among the greatest matches in Premier League history, while just last season Liverpool scored six at St James' Park.
Liverpool have scored three goals in four of the last five matches against Newcastle at Anfield, while the Magpies have not won here since 1994 - 18 league games ago. It appears to be a home banker from Liverpool's point of view, but stranger things have happened this season than Newcastle nicking a win here.
Of course, West Ham could still do Liverpool a huge favour today by winning at the Etihad, and there are no shortage of former Reds in their ranks. The likes of Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing will be looking to help their old side out, while skipper Kevin Nolan is a Liverpool fan. Could it be that Carroll ends up helping Liverpool to win the title after all?
It being the final day, there is of course a full fixture list in the Premier League today. The big one, as far as Liverpool are concerned, comes at the Etihad, and you can follow live coverage of that match with us on SM. We also have coverage of every other Premier League game today, and you can find a list of the matches here.
KICKOFF: Here we go then, Liverpool get us underway for the final game of the season at Anfield and what could be a momentous day in the club's history. 'You'll Never Walk Alone' rings around the ground for longer than usual as the home fans look to show their appreciation for what has been a terrific season.
Unsurprisingly, Liverpool have taken control of the ball early on as they look to make the sort of quick start that has blown away so many teams this season. There is no way through so far, however, as Newcastle's defence pass the early examinations.
The first effort of the day comes from Newcastle as they win an early corner on the right side. Ameobi peels off his marker to get his head to the ball, but puts his effort harmlessly wide of the target.
UPDATE: The first goal of the afternoon comes at the Stadium of Light, where Swansea have taken the lead against Sunderland. Nathan Dyer got the goal, but Sunderland have already secured their safety.
Gerrard pings a trademark diagonal ball over the defence for Sturridge, but the England striker is offside and the linesman duly raises his flag. Liverpool's play hasn't quite got the cut and thrust about it that we are used to seeing just yet.
SAVE! Half a chance for the visitors as Flanagan loses the ball on the left, allowing Sissoko to hoist a high cross into the middle. Ameobi holds off two defenders to get his head to the ball, but his effort lacks power and is easy for Mignolet to collect.
Liverpool play some nice football to cut through the Newcastle defence for the first time, with Henderson and Suarez linking to set up Sterling inside the box. The youngster can't make anything of the effort, while Phil Dowd waves away two claims for a penalty on Henderson and Sterling.
UPDATE: There has been a goal at the KC Stadium, where Everton have taken the lead against Hull City courtesy of a James McCarthy strike. The Tigers could well have one eye on the FA Cup final there.
Still no goals at Anfield or at the Etihad today. It has been a slower start than expected here, with Liverpool's players visibly flat compared to when they were favourites for the Premier League title a few years ago.
UPDATE: Swansea have doubled their lead over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, with Marvin Emnes getting the second goal for the visitors. Elsewhere, Tottenham have gone 1-0 up against Aston Villa through Paulinho, which is important for their Europa League hopes. Cardiff, meanwhile, have taken the lead against Chelsea through Craig Bellamy. That's good news for Liverpool in terms of finishing second.
DISALLOWED GOAL! A moment of genius from Luis Suarez is chalked off by Phil Dowd! The Uruguayan is brought down on the right side of the pitch and suddenly takes the free kick early, catching Krul off his line and finding the corner. However, the referee calls play back to deny a bemused Suarez another special goal to add to his collection.
GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle United (Martin Skrtel og)
Well, that wasn't a twist we were expecting to happen! Newcastle take the lead against the run of play as Skrtel turns the ball into his own net. He was trying to clear a cross from the left, but got it all wrong as the ball skewed off his shin and past a helpless Mignolet. That's Skrtel's fourth own goal of the season.
So, as things stand, City are champions regardless of what happens at the Etihad. Liverpool need a response here if they are to put the pressure back on the Manchester club.
CHANCE! Big chance for Liverpool to level things up here as Gerrard swings a corner into a dangerous area. Agger finds a bit of space in the box and plants a powerful downward header towards goal, but it is straight at Krul, who makes the save.
I must say that I expected Liverpool to come out all guns blazing in this match, but it simply hasn't happened. They are enjoying most of the possession but have been unable to play through a packed Newcastle defence so far.
CHANCE! What a huge chance this is for the visitors to double their lead as Ameobi threads a lovely pass through the middle for Gouffran to race on to. He only has the keeper to beat, but Mignolet stays big and makes an important stop to deny the midfielder. It bounces back out to Anita, but he makes a mess of the rebound and blazes it well off target.
Newcastle find another way through the Liverpool defence as Gouffran makes progress down the right, but once again the hosts survive. Newcastle are looking more likely to add to their lead than Liverpool are to equalise at the moment.
UPDATE: There has been a goal that could be of some significance to Newcastle as Stoke have taken the lead against West Brom through a Gareth McAuley on goal. That means that Newcastle would drop to 10th should Liverpool equalise. Southampton, meanwhile, are ahead against Manchester United through Rickie Lambert.
Liverpool have a free kick in a promising position, and as ever Luis Suarez is standing over it. However, it is not one of his better efforts as he smashes it straight into the wall before being crowded out when trying to dribble the rebound into the box.
Newcastle are defending very deep at the moment, with all 11 players behind the ball whenever Liverpool have it. Even when they win possession back, Ameobi is the only man venturing into the Liverpool third for the Magpies.
CHANCE! Brilliant play from Suarez as he spins past Coloccini before beating Williamson and creating space to shoot on the edge of the box. However, his effort is weak in the end and easy for Krul to collect.
YELLOW CARD! The first card of the afternoon comes for Debuchy and, with 35 minutes on the clock, it comes for time wasting. He can have no complaints either, it was blatant.
UPDATE: Tottenham have doubled their lead against Aston Villa, with Emmanuel Adebayor getting his side's second. They look destined for sixth place in the table now.
Things have gone very flat around Anfield here as the fans begin to get a little restless. The hosts have not played anywhere near their best so far and will need a vast improvement after the break if they are to put the pressure on.
UPDATE: More bad news for Liverpool as Samir Nasri has given Manchester City the lead against West Ham. That means that even a Liverpool win wouldn't be enough for them to win the title.
CHANCE! Huge chance for Liverpool to get level before the break as Sturridge finds space inside the box to get on the end of Joe Allen's cross. However, he doesn't get anywhere near enough on his header, glancing it well wide of the far post. He really should have scored there.
Even if, as looks like being the case, Liverpool do not win the title today, they will want to end the season on a high in front of their own fans. That has not happened so far, however, and there is a subdued atmosphere on Merseyside right now.
There will be a minimum of two minutes added time at the end of this first half.
HALF TIME: Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle United
Well, that is about as far away from how Liverpool fans would have dreamed today going as possible. Even if the prospect of West Ham beating Manchester City was always a slim one, they would have at least expected their own side to finish on a high, but that has not been the case here. Newcastle take a 1-0 lead into the halfway stage, while City are also one up at the break against West Ham.
The goal came via Martin Skrtel, who sliced a cross into his own net for his fourth own goal of the season. It was a poor attempt to clear the ball from the Slovakian centre-back, giving Mignolet no chance in goal. Gouffran played the ball into the area and Skrtel had a good look at it but it came off his shin and into the corner.
In truth, Liverpool are fortunate that it is only 1-0 right now as Newcastle had another glorious chance to double their advantage. Ameobi slid the ball through to Gouffran, who only had the keeper to beat, but Mignolet stayed big and made an important stop to deny the midfielder. That is a better chance than Liverpool have managed to create in the opening 45 minutes, although Sturridge should have scored with a header from inside the box that he failed to make sufficient contact with.
The Reds' usual slick passing game has simply not been there today. Too many passes have gone astray, making it easy for Newcastle to defend in numbers and plug any gaps in midfield. The hosts first need to improve the accuracy of their passes and then up the tempo of the game as they are at their best when playing quick, one-touch football in an around the area.
There was a moment of controversy in the first half as Suarez showed another moment of genius by scoring an early free kick from the right wing with the outside of his boot. However, Phil Dowd called play back and gestured that he hadn't given Suarez permission to take the kick early, which was unfortunate for the Uruguayan as it was some strike.
Liverpool have very much looked like a team that went into this game thinking that the title was already beyond them. They have been flat and uninspiring, which in turn has caused the crowd to generate something of a subdued atmosphere inside Anfield. The goal at the Etihad did nothing to help that, but the hosts need a quick start to this second half to get the noise levels back up inside the stadium.
KICKOFF: Liverpool get us back underway at Anfield and Rodgers has opted to make a change at the break, with Cissokho coming on for Flanagan.
CLOSE! Better from the hosts as Sterling cuts inside from the right, working his way across the edge of the area looking for room to shoot. He eventually finds space, and his tame effort almost snuck into the corner, trickling just past the post.
UPDATE: The Premier League title moves ever closer to Manchester City as Vincent Kompany has doubled his side's lead against West Ham. They now have nine fingers grasped around the trophy.
As poor as Liverpool have been so far, Newcastle deserve credit for their performance. They have been heavily criticised for their displays since the turn of the year, but they have impressed today and look like ending a turbulent campaign on a high note.
The visitors enjoy a long spell of possession, with the away fans giving their side the 'Ole!' treatment. Who would have thought that would be the case before this match?
Liverpool win a free kick in a very dangerous area as Taylor comes flying in with a late swinging boot as he tried to clear the ball. It was an untidy challenge from the Newcastle man, but he was going for the ball. Gerrard is standing over the ball...
Gerrard whips a dangerous ball towards the back post, but somehow it eludes three red shirts in the area. Skrtel, Suarez and Allen were all a whisker away from connecting with that, and it only needed a touch to go in.
UPDATE: More good news for Newcastle as West Brom have found an equaliser against Stoke, which strengthens the Magpies' position in ninth. Suarez, meanwhile, is standing over a free kick in a dangerous position here...
SAVE! Suarez gets it up and over the wall, but he slips while taking it and that means it lacks the power to beat Krul, who collects it comfortably.
LIVERPOOL SUB: Brendan Rodgers turns to the bench for the first time today as he looks to change things here, bringing on Philippe Coutinho for Joe Allen.
Poor from Sturridge as he goes for goal from range, firing a tame effort comfortably wide of the mark. That was never troubling Krul, and the Kop make their displeasure known to the England international.
Liverpool have just upped the tempo a little in the last few minutes and are beginning to look a bit more menacing, with Coutinho making a difference. Still no way through, though.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle United (Daniel Agger)
Liverpool get their 100th league goal of the season, and it is some finish from Agger. Gerrard curled a free kick towards the back post and Agger stretched out a leg to somehow beat Krul at his near post from an impossible angle. Something, at last, for the home fans to shout about here, and it is a big achievement to reach a century of goals for the season.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle United (Daniel Sturridge)
Incredible! Liverpool complete the turnaround with two goals in as many minutes, and it is a carbon copy of the first. Again Gerrard bends his delivery from a free kick to the back post and this time Sturridge is there to convert it.
RED CARD! Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United)
It's all happening here at Anfield! Before the game gets back underway after Liverpool's second goal, Ameobi is shown a straight red card, presumably for dissent. Ameobi has no complaints and trots off the field for what could be the last time as a Newcastle player.
Suddenly the crowd is up and the hosts are playing with a lot more vigour and determination. It may not change anything in the grand scheme of things, but there is a much better feeling about this match at least.
Ameobi's dismissal was not, in fact, a straight red card, but rather two yellows in the space of about 10 seconds. Having been shown his first, he refused to stop complaining to Phil Dowd and was subsequently given his marching orders. Stupid from the striker.
There are still targets for Liverpool here, even if the league looks beyond them. They are now two goals shy of Chelsea's Premier League scoring record of 103 in a season, while Suarez is one short of having the stand-alone record for goals in a 38-goal season.
NEWCASTLE SUB: Attacking change from Alan Pardew as Luuk de Jong replaces Taylor, ensuring that the Magpies still have a striker on the field following Ameobi's dismissal.
Suarez hasn't quite been himself this afternoon, struggling to get control of the ball and take players on. He will surely be keen to break the goalscoring record and may still get a chance, but it hasn't been the best performance of his glittering season.
UPDATE: A potentially significant goal in South Wales as Chelsea have completed their turnaround against Cardiff to lead 2-1. Schurrle and Torres got the goals that mean Chelsea are still in with a chance of finishing second if Liverpool let this lead slip.
NEWCASTLE SUB: Sammy Ameobi comes on for the final 10 minutes or so, replacing Yoann Gouffran as Pardew makes a late push to level things up against at Anfield.
CHANCE! Gerrard's free kicks are really causing problems for Newcastle in this second half, and they should have a third goal from one here. The Liverpool skipper whips another good ball into the box and Agger is unmarked in the middle but can't get enough on his header.
LIVERPOOL SUB: Another change for the hosts as Lucas Leiva comes on to replace Sturridge, who gets a big reception on his way off the field. He has had a very good season for the Reds.
NEWCASTLE SUB: The visitors also make a change as Tiote goes off after receiving treatment for cramp, being replaced by Dummett, who scored in the last meeting between these two sides.
Great play down the left from Sterling as he shows electric pace to skip past a couple of challenges before pulling the ball into a dangerous area. Lucas has an effort blocked and it eventually finds its way to Sterling, who is a long way offside but finishes for good measure.
Nice footwork from Ameobi as he skips past two Liverpool players before throwing himself to the floor rather dramatically. Phil Dowd buys it, though, and Newcastle now have a free kick in a dangerous area.
RED CARD! Paul Dummett (Newcastle United)
Newcastle are down to nine! Dummett, who only came on as a sub five minutes ago, goes flying into a challenge on Suarez, poleaxing the Uruguayan on the halfway line. It was certainly a poor challenge that sent Suarez flying up in the air, but a straight red is perhaps harsh.
YELLOW CARD! Lucas joins the ever-growing list of names in the book as he picks up a caution for a foul in midfield.
There will be four more minutes of the Premier League season for Liverpool and Newcastle. What a campaign it has been for the former, even if it hasn't ended with the ultimate goal of winning the title.
UPDATE: It is all over at the Etihad, and Manchester City have been crowned Premier League champions for the second time in three years. Fans stream onto the pitch to celebrate with their title-winning heroes.
FULL TIME: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle United
It is all over at Anfield and it is all over for Liverpool's Premier League title hopes as they lose out to Manchester City by two points. There is disappointment around Anfield at the final whistle as they came so close to ending their 24-year drought this season, but with a bit of distance and perspective they will no doubt look back on this campaign as a very good one. It is the first time they have ever been in with a shout of winning the Premier League on the final day, and the future looks bright for the red half of Merseyside.
On the day, Liverpool did their part by claiming all three points against a Newcastle side that gave it their all despite growing unrest among the fans. The visitors took the lead through a Martin Skrtel own goal, but two almost identical goals in as many minutes from Agger and Sturridge gave the hosts a lead that they managed to hold on to. Agger's strike also brought up the century of goals for Liverpool this season, and they becoming the first team in Premier League history to score that many and fail to win the title.
Newcastle ended the match with just nine men having had Shola Ameobi dismissed in the immediate aftermath of the second goal for two yellow cards within 10 seconds of each other. Both came for dissent and could be Ameobi's final action in his long Newcastle career. Paul Dummett also received his marching orders late on for a rash challenge on Luis Suarez just five minutes after coming on as a sub.
Right, that is all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was ultimately an anti-climax for Liverpool as their slim hopes of winning the title were extinguished by events at the Etihad. The Reds did end the season on a winning note, however, coming from behind to beat nine-man Newcastle 2-1. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction and analysis, which will be on site shortly. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!
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