By Nick Raynor
December 19 2004

Newcastle United lost the lead against Liverpool in a disappointing 3-1 defeat. Newcastle only had 4 subs as Bellamy was injured in the pre-game warm up. Aaron Hughes and Steven Taylor also fell ill the day before.

Newcastle started shakily and were lucky not to concede after a minute when Garcia blasted over from 8 yards out.

Newcastle were also unlucky not to score on 20 minutes when Oliver Bernard’s 25 yard free-kick just flew wide.

The break did come on 31 minutes when Kluivert scored in controversial circumstances.

The Dutchman was offside when Dyer put Bowyer through but was judged to not be involved in the play at the time of the pass. When he received the ball and scored from 6 yards, it was allowed.

But in 6 minutes, Liverpool were ahead. The first goal was an own-goal from Titus Bramble who to be fair to him, was under pressure from Hyppia but he still headed the ball into him own net from Gerrard’s corner to equalise for Liverpool.

Then a fantastic through-ball from Baros to Mellor gave Liverpool the lead as he knocked the ball into Given’s net.

Just before the break, Garcia should have made it 3-1 after only managing a tame shot at Given after great work from Xabi Alonso left Garcia in a great position.

But after Half-Time, Baros did make it 3-1 by rounding Given after being put through by Harry Kewell.

Replacement-captain Jermaine Jenas then tried to lift his team but he couldn’t tap in Ameobi’s cross from just 7 yards, blazing it over the bar.

All hope was then lost when Bowyer stupidly got sent off for a second bookable offence after a pointless challenge on Sinama-Pongolle.

Final Score: 3-1