FT Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1
Nolberto Solano’s penalty helped Newcastle come from behind to beat Liverpool as Craig Bellamy's return to St James’ Park ended in disappointment.
The Welshman cashed in on an error by goalkeeper Steve Harper to fire the visitors ahead after just six minutes, and was then denied by Titus Bramble and Harper as the Magpies rocked.
However, Obafemi Martins was handed an equaliser by Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina before Solano won it from the spot after 69 minutes after John Arne Riise’s trip on Steven Taylor.
Bellamy, was not done, however, and he forced a hurried clearance from Onyewu after 73 minutes when the striker had edged past Milner and Bramble had half-blocked his cross towards Kuyt.
Benitez made two changes in as many minutes as he attempted to revive his side, Danny Guthrie and Alvara Arbeloa replacing Zenden and Pennant.
Harper had to pull off another fine save eight minutes from time to keep out Agger’s 30-yard piledriver with Kuyt unable to convert the rebound.
Crouch arrived as an 84th-minute replacement for Finnan but, with Onyewu in particular defending well, his side saw out the game to claim three excellent points.