Bellamy at the double as Liverpool sink Newcastle

Liverpool FC moved level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea FC after a 3-1 victory against Newcastle United FC at Anfield.

Though Newcastle – without a league win at Anfield since 1994 – took the lead through Daniel Agger's 25th-minute own goal, Craig Bellamy scored twice against his old club before Steven Gerrard settled the contest 12 minutes from time.

Alan Pardew's charges took the lead when Ryan Taylor's deep cross was flicked on by Yohan Cabaye and Agger, under pressure from Demba Ba, wrong-footed Pepe Reina from eight metres. However, the visitors' lead lasted just four minutes as Bellamy pounced on a poor clearance to rifle his 150th goal in English football through a crowded area from 15 metres.

The hosts edged ahead midway through the second half when Bellamy's long-range free-kick eluded a host of players to find the net and an eventful second period then produced a wonderful goal-line clearance by Agger from Ba on 70 minutes and a header against the bar by another former Newcastle favourite Andy Carroll. Second-half substitute Gerrard completed the scoring from a tight angle to take the Reds above Arsenal FC and level on 34 points with Chelsea.