A sublime strike from contract rebel Raheem Sterling kept Liverpool’s hopes of a top-four finish alive as they eased to a 2-0 success over 10-man Newcastle at Anfield.
Brendan Rodgers’ men have seen their chances of competing in Europe’s elite competition next season suffer serious damage in recent weeks with successive defeats to rivals Manchester United andArsenal, but Manchester City’s continued travails have left the door slightly ajar.
The Reds were keen to take advantage of the Citizens’ loss in Sunday’s Manchester derby and, despite being without star striker Daniel Sturridge through injury, they took control on nine minutes.
Sterling, who was heckled by fans during the Reds’ kit launch at Anfield last Friday, responded in the best way possible by slaloming beyond two and curling a clever finish beyond Tim Krul from the left of the area.
The Reds went close to doubling their lead through Alberto Moreno and Lucas Leiva but could have gone in at the break all-square as the visitors were denied a clear-cut penalty when Dejan Lovrenbrought down Ayoze Perez in the box.
The Magpies dominated the opening to the second period but couldn’t find a way past Simon Mignolet and, after Sterling missed a sitter, Liverpool sealed the victory when Joe Allen crashed a shot home from Emre Can’s pass for his first league goal at Anfield.
It was a frustrating conclusion for John Carver’s side who then saw their misery compounded whenMoussa Sissoko was sent off following quick-fire cautions late on.
The victory means Liverpool are now just four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City and have a glimmer of hope of reaching the Champions League places with six matches to play.