Liverpool moved back to within three points of Premier League leaders Manchester United after beating relegation-threatened Newcastle 3-0 at Anfield on Sunday.
Two goals in six first-half minutes from Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt sent second-placed Liverpool, who have played one game more than United, on the way to victory against a Newcastle side who had Joey Barton sent-off 13 minutes from time for a wild challenge on Xabi Alonso.
Brazil midfielder Lucas added a third goal, his first in the Premier League, three minutes from time.
Defeat left Newcastle three points adrift of safety with just three games remaining in which to secure their Premier League status, starting with the north-east derby against fellow drop candidates Middlesbrough a week on Monday.
Sunderland, the third north-east side in the top flight, face Everton in Sunday’s other Premier League match.
SoccerNews: I know that Liverpool are a great team, but this late in the season i think they might as well be satisfied with the runners-up place 4 dis season.
I dont want to anger any liverpool fans with that last sentence. I’m actually tryin to look at this from the neutrals, instead of from my beloved club’s(Man United) point of view.