Liverpool fight back to power past Newcastle

Liverpool saw off conceding an early goal to sweep past Newcastle 3-1 at Anfield on Saturday

Sadio Mane was again their go-to man, scoring twice in the first half after Jetro Willems' fine first goal for Newcastle had given Steve Bruce's side a shock early lead.

Mohamed Salah added a third after the break, with the third member of Liverpool's attacking trinity Roberto Firmino providing two brilliant assists and stealing the show with a superb performance from the bench.

The Reds have now won 14 league games in a row in a run that stretches back to a draw at Everton in March - the joint third-best winning run in English top-flight history - and go five points clear at the top, with second-placed Manchester City playing in the evening game.

Newcastle never threatened to build on their surprise lead - which came via their only shot on target all day - and could not get near the European champions for large periods of a one-sided game.

They remain in 16th place, a point above the bottom three.

Former Reds fullback Alan Kennedy reacted: "Newcastle have put their heart and soul into the game but the just aren't good enough. Liverpool have been superb, clinical and collected. They have been very good to watch. They have been disciplined throughout."