Liverpool cruise to victory over sorry Newcastle

Liverpool 3 Newcastle 0. The fairytale did not materialise for Newcastle as they were comprehensively beaten by title challengers Liverpool at Anfield.

The result means that Liverpool remain three points behind Manchester United, although they have played one game more, and with only three games left in the season will need something of a miracle to overhaul their rivals.

Newcastle are also in need of a miracle if they are to stay in the top flight. They could not have been expecting much from the game, but another dismal performance and a red card for Joey Barton will not improve the mood of the camp as they gear up for a huge encounter with local rivals Middlesbrough next week.

Liverpool seent out a strong line-up with one glaring omission, Fernando Torres was left out of the squad altogether. Another famous Liverpool striker was also left out - Alan Shearer elected to start with Michael Owen on the bench to bolster a combative midfield featuring Nicky Butt, Alan Smith and Joey Barton.

The visitors started brightly and were full of running and good intent. But in classic Newcastle style shot themselves in the foot after 22 minutes when, for reasons best know to himself, Mark Viduka headed the ball into his own box and Dirk Kuyt squared for an unmarked Yossi Benayoun to prod home.

Six minutes later Kuyt made it two after more appalling Newcastle defeding from a corner allowed him to head home unchallenged.

After that Liverpool were able to relax. But Newcastle couldn't find a way back into the game. Indeed the Reds had the better chances, with Xavi Alonso hitting the bar either side of half time.

With 12 minutes left Barton was sent off for an awful two-footed lunge on Alonso, who was carried off, and soon after Lucas Leiva made it three. There was still time for Steven Gerrard to hit the bar in injury time. ·