Liverpool have ended 2011 on a winning note with a 3-1 victory at home to Newcastle United.
After a frantic opening, the hosts created the first clear chance of the match as Jose Enrique was able to whip an inviting cross into the Newcastle penalty area. However, there was no red shirt in the middle to slot in.
Charlie Adam should have done better on 20 minutes, but his shot flashed over after a goalmouth scramble.
The Magpies took an unexpected lead on 25 minutes when Ryan Taylor's cross was flicked on by Yoann Cabaye before Liverpool defender Daniel Agger got the last touch with his shoulder.
It didn't take long for the home side to draw level as Craig Bellamy smashed home from ten yards following Cheick Tiote's weak clearance.
Second-half substitute Steven Gerrard made the difference after the break as his cross was narrowly missed by Andy Carroll.
Carroll should have done better moments later, but his first touch let him down after Gerrard had put him through on goal.
Liverpool finally took the lead with 20 minutes to go when Bellamy fired home a free kick from 25 yards.
Demba Ba nearly equalised for the visitors, but his dinked shot was cleared off the line by Martin Skrtl.
Carroll was unlucky with 15 minutes to go when his header crashed back off the crossbar.
The win was sealed when Gerrard fired past Tim Krul in the Newcastle goal from a tight angle in the final ten minutes.
Jack Prescott
