Newcastle 1 Liverpool 5

2008 ended with a bang! If the rest needed testament about Liverpool's intention of winning the Premier League, this would be it. Playing 2 hours earlier than Chelsea, Liverpool made their message loud and clear to their rivals that they want and can win the Premier League this season. It was a five star display by the Reds. The first half was by far the best I have seen in awhile and the second half was as good to make it probably the best performance by Liverpool this season.

"Sammy 'Lone'Lee without Benitez"

I have seen reports saying a 5-1 victory flattered Newcastle and it may as well be an understatement. Liverpool could have scored as many in the first half itself. Gerrard, Kuyt, Hyypia, and Lucas Leiva had chances and were foiled by Given time after time. His saves in the first 30 minutes were absolutely unbelievable. Of course, it was equally unbelievable Leiva could have scored a hat-trick but ended up with none. After some shameful display throughout the pitch by Newcastle but for some fantastic saves by Given, Liverpool finally broke the deadlock they well deserved through Steven Gerrard.

"Hyypia still a vital player to the Reds"

He was lively throughout the game until he was substituted. It was only right that the magnificent captain ended his day with two goals and two assists. His first was Liverpool's opener. A through pass by Mascherano found Benayoun inside the box and he made a beautiful pull back to give Gerrard the opportunity to blast pass Given which he took it without mistake. It migth have came in the 35th minute but as people say, better late than never. Soon, Given was left frustrated by his teammates again as Hyypia met a Gerrard corner to put Liverpool 2-0 up. Newcastle's defence and off ball play was really awful. Maybe, it was made awful by Liverpool's fantastic display thanks to Benitez's meticulous preparation.

"Babel able to jubilates!"

Despite in full control of the game, Liverpool somehow conceded a goal right at the end of the first half from a corner to give Newcastle a life line. Despite that disappointment, Liverpool came out the second half the way they did in the first half. They continued to dominate the game and tormented Newcastle's defence. As the game went by, Liverpool went on to score three more goals through Gerrard, Babel and substitute Alonso. Babel scored his goal through a penalty box scramble. Again, a corner was not well defended by Newcastle and they were punished by it. The ball was shouldered towards goal by Leiva after Hyypia made a dummy on the ball. The ball fell to Babel right in front of goal where he tried to back-heel it but was blocked. However, too many cook spoilt the soup as the mass of Newcastle players within reach of the ball failed to clear it and Babel capitalize on it by kicking it into the net with Given on the ground.

"No way! No way anyone will be catching us!!!"

After that, Gerrard gave Liverpool a three goal lead with a great finish. Leiva made a fantastic through pass to Gerrard from distance and he raced and latched on to it before cooly put the ball beyond Given. To his disappointment though, he was substituted soon after that as I guess Benitez knew this game was dead and buried and wanted to save his captain's energy. Although without Gerrard, Liverpool went on to score another through the spot after substitute Ngog was brought down in the box. Another substitute Alonso was responsible to take it and he scored as we would expect him to. After that fifth goal, Liverpool could have gotten even more but it was not to be.

"Nearly sold but thankfully not!"

With such a convincing win, it surely gave a loud message to the rest that Liverpool are serious about winning the league and are not planning to slow down in the second half of the league. In fact, it is a statement that they are prepared to step up their game as the usually do under Benitez. The others must have cautioned that they must step up their game even more if they are to wrestle Liverpool off the top spot as the Reds would probably gain more points in the second period than the first period if they continue the trend under Rafa. Against Newcastle, it can already be seen that Liverpool's players are still fresh and very energetic. This probably is due to the "rotation" system that Benitez adopt. Some of us might have cursed him for it and may still be doing so. However, maybe we might have to thank him come May for it (fingers crossed).

Chelsea's draw with Fulham later on was probably the icing on the cake. It surely took off some pressure from Liverpool as they get a three point lead into 2009. Having said that, M*n U*d would be just one point off Liverpool if they win their two games in hand. It is time to be cautious but hopefully Liverpool will not be too cautious to the point where it affects their game. Pray hard, Liverpool would continue their impressive form and go on to win the league. This team this year has been showing some real grit, character, and hunger. In addition to that, there are true qualities all around the field and the commitment of the players can't be questioned. So far so good and I want to say the same thing game after game!


"You'll Never Walk Alone"