Liverpool slumped to another humiliating defeat to a newly promoted side in a debacle on Tyneside.
Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton, two Merseysiders, were amongst the goalscorers for the Geordies rubbing salt in the wounds of another insipid league performance as the reds head towards the midway point of the Premier League season.
It may only be December, but Liverpool look already condemned to another season without Champions League football and the reds worst league finish in over 50 years looks more than a distinct possibilty.
Kevin Nolan put the home side ahead, managed for the first time by Alan Pardew, after just 15 minutes. Liverpool mustered one chance of note in the first half.
Dirk Kuyt hit back, with a lucky deflection, just after half time, but as the game wore on Liverpool looked increasingly out of their depth and Newcastle in the ascendancy.
Barton walked through the reds defence in the 83rd minute to score Newcastle’s second, moments after he had suggested Fernando Torres perform a sexual act on him. This was Barton’s first game back after a lengthy miss for his previous poor conduct.
In stoppage time, Newcastle compounded the reds misery with a third killer goal. Andy Carroll, the revelation of the season, was there to add another to his Premier League account.
After 17 games the reds lie in 9th, although both the mighty Blackburn and Blackpool have a game in hand on the reds, and Liverpool’s goal difference returns to negative figures.
A depressing day for Liverpool’s travelling fans, and Liverpool’s watching fans. Unfortunately, we can see no sign of improvement on the horizon.