Raheem Sterling helped Liverpool keep alive their hopes of finishing inside the Premier League’s top four and securing a place in next season’s Champions League with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Newcastle United at Anfield on Monday.
The Reds clinched the win thanks to goals from Sterling and Joe Allen as they closed the gap on fourth-placed Manchester City to four points with six matches of the season remaining.
– #360view: EPL challengers Arsenal developing into something special
– #360debate: Will Atletico Madrid have revenge against Real Madrid?
– Why Italy’s leading lights Juve are dark horses to win the UCL
Liverpool showed plenty of intent early on as Sterling and Philippe Coutinho dropped deep in search of the ball, eager to run at Newcastle backline.
The home side’s early pressure yielded the opening goal in the ninth minute.
Sterling’s uncertainty over whether he will sign a new Liverpool contract has led to accusations of greed from some Liverpool fans but his ninth-minute goal went some way to restoring his reputation with supporters.
Jordan Henderson’s cross-field pass was adroitly cushioned by Sterling, who cut inside Ryan Taylor and curled a finish high into the net past the outstretched palm of Tim Krul.
The Newcastle goalkeeper was called into action shortly afterwards when a cleverly-worked Liverpool free-kick on the edge of the visitors’ box saw Henderson slip in Coutinho, only for his low shot to be saved.
In the second half, Henderson’s low cross found Sterling on the edge of the six-yard box but, with just Krul to beat, he shot wide.
But his embarrassment was eased when Liverpool scored a second goal with 20 minutes remaining.
A Liverpool corner was sent back into the Newcastle penalty area and Mike Williamson, rather than clear first time, controlled the ball on his chest only for the alert Allen to react with a quickfire shot.
Liverpool’s task in the remainder of the game was much easier when the visitors were reduced to 10 men.
Newcastle midfielder Sissoko went in high on Lucas and was shown a second yellow card by referee Mason, although it could conceivably have been a straight red.
