Liverpool kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League by beating Newcastle United 2-0 this evening.

The Reds dominated from the start and they took the lead in the ninth minute through Raheem Sterling's curling effort.

Joe Allen added a second goal after the break, before Moussa Sissoko was sent off in the closing stages as the Magpies lost for the fifth successive game.

Here, Sports Mole rates the best and worst performances from Anfield.

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LIVERPOOL:

Goal

Simon Mignolet: Was not overly troubled, but made a wonderful save just before half time to keep out Ayoze's header with a fingertip save. (7/10)

Defence

Glen Johnson: Failed to get to grips with Ayoze and Sissoko as Newcastle started the second half strongly, but did not face too many problems. (6/10)

Dejan Lovren: Not the most assured performance from the defender. Was lucky not to give away a penalty when he appeared to catch Ayoze inside the box. (6/10)

Emre Can: Very composed display at the centre of the defence. He was solid all evening and looked a class act in possession. (7/10)

Alberto Moreno: Got forward down the left all evening for Liverpool and saw an early shot saved by the keeper. He showed plenty of threat and was also reliable at the back. (7/10)

Midfield

Jordan Henderson: Played a wonderful pass to Sterling to set up the opening goal. His deliveries from free kicks caused no end of problems for Newcastle and he worked hard for his team all evening. (7/10)

Joe Allen: Tireless display from the Welshman. Always reliable in possession and he wrapped up the three points for his side with a well-taken goal. (8/10)

Lucas Leiva: The Brazilian was the best player on the pitch this evening. Made a number of vital tackles and helped the Reds to dominate the midfield. (8/10)

Attack

Philippe Coutinho: Another strong candidate for the Man of the Match award. He was electric in the first half and Newcastle just couldn't handle him. (8/10)

Raheem Sterling: The England international made the headlines for all the right reasons this evening. He scored a wonderful goal to break the deadlock and although he could have had a hat-trick, he was a constant menace for the opposition defence. (8/10)

Jordon Ibe: Promising showing from the youngster in his first game back for six weeks. He was involved in a lot of his side's best moves in the first half, before he faded after the break and was replaced by Borini. (7/10)

Substitutes

Fabio Borini: Came on for the last 30 minutes and showed plenty of effort to help his team see out the game. (6/10)

Rickie Lambert: Was only on the pitch for a few moments and was unable to make any impact. (6/10)

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NEWCASTLE UNITED:

Goal

Tim Krul: Made a stunning save to keep out a header from Lucas in the first half, but could have done very little about either of Liverpool's goals. (7/10)

Defence

Ryan Taylor: Struggled to contain Sterling all evening and was beaten by the Liverpool player far too easily for the opening goal. (5/10)

Michael Wlliamson: Another who struggled against the pace of the Liverpool attack, but did make some vital interceptions throughout. (6/10)

Daryl Janmaat: Slotted into the defence and put in a reliable performance. Was left exposed at times, but always looked good on the ball. (6/10)

Vurnon Anita: Played in an unfamiliar left-back role and was given a real test by Ibe. He failed to match the pace of the 19-year-old in the early stages, but he grew into the match as the night wore on. (6/10)

Midfield

Gabriel Obertan: Made some dangerous runs down the right, but was unable to get the better of Moreno and was replaced by Gutierrez midway through the second half. (6/10)

Moussa Sissoko: Was one of Newcastle's most dangerous players on the night and showed plenty of threat from the left, but he was sent off for a horrible tackle on Lucas in the final minutes. (6/10)

Jack Colback: Committed performance as ever from the midfielder. Put in plenty of effort for his team, but was unable to prevent Liverpool's dominance.(7/10)

Remy Cabella: Failed to stamp his authority on the match and despite some neat touches he showed very little threat. (5/10)

Mehdi Abeid: Had a decent chance to score at the end of the first half with an effort from the edge of the box that he curled just over the bar. Was not involved in too much else and could have closed down his opponents quicker. (6/10)

Attack

Ayoze Perez: Led the line well for Newcastle and almost scored with a fantastic header at the end of the first half. He also went down inside the box under Lovren's challenge, but no penalty was given. (7/10)

Substitutes

Jonas Gutierrez: Received a standing ovation from all of Anfield when he came on, but could not inspire his team to an unlikely comeback. (6/10)

Yoan Gouffran: Was brought on too late to make any impact. (6/10)

Adam Armstrong: Came on just after Liverpool had scored their second and did not see much of the ball. (6/10)