Goals from Sturridge and Lallana put the Reds in control at the half, but Cisse and Colback struck after the break to earn Benitez a point at Anfield
It was hardly the miracle of Istanbul, but Rafa Benitez inspired Newcastle to a comeback at Anfield which could still keep them from the drop.
The Magpies looked dead and buried at half time as goals from Daniel Sturridge – with the first attack of the game – and Adam Lallana – gave Liverpool what looked for all the world a winning advantage.
But the Geordies rode their luck – not least when Sturridge was denied a blatant penalty after a trip by Tiote – to claw their way back into the game with goals from Papiss Cisse and Jack Colback.
It was the fight that Newcastle showed when seemingly down and out that will most impress Benitez, and will also have most impact on the relegation scrap...because it's not about quality any more (just as well for the visitors), but about the desire to stay in the Premier League – and they showed that here.
Here, David Maddock offers 5 observations:
1. There is still real warmth for Rafa at Anfield
He walked out onto the pitch before the game during a rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone, and it was perfectly timed, because it allowed the crowd to stand in appreciation of the man who won them a Champions' League and FA Cup.
There is no doubting though, the Reds faithful are now firm believers in the Klopp revolution at the club, with the fans warming so much to his enthusiasm on the touchline. It was an afternoon that offered us a glimpse of the past and future of Liverpool.
2. It is not hard to understand why the fans loved Rafa
It is because he is such an effective coach, as he showed here with his pretty awful Newcastle side. Trailing 2-0 and seemingly dead and buried, he changed tactics at half time, and it was effective.
He went long ball, bypassing the midfield to go to the flanks and put in crosses, which put Simon Mignolet and Kolo Toure under pressure. It is an old Liverpool weakness but one not spotted in recent weeks, the pragmatic Benitez though, exploited it perfectly.
3. It is even easier to understand why the love Klopp
Where Benitez is always calculated in his approach, and defence-based, the German is such an adherent to the belief in taking the game to opponents, whether it is pressing, or pushing forward with intent.
Here, even at 2-0, they went looking for more, and that is what he wants, even if it left them open to Newcastle counter after the break. His style fits in with the club's philosophy so well, and he is clearly here to to stay.
4. Still doubt about Simon Mignolet
He has improved so much under Klopp, but when sides like Newcastle choose to put him under pressure with long balls into the box, he is still suspect, and that is a problem going forward.
It's like a batsman with a weakness to bouncers – the last thing you want to show, because you get bombarded. It is an area Klopp needs to address, as he will definitely sign a keeper in the summer, the only question is, will it be an out and out number one, or a challenger for the current number one?
5. Newcastle are still a poor team
But Benitez has instilled fight, and that could be vital as this relegation scrap goes right down to the wire.
In the first half they were woeful, and even in the second barely better, but they did scrap like demons and always felt they could get back into the game. That belief will be required to stay up.
Player ratings
Liverpool:
Mignolet 5 - Mistake for first goal and later save didn't make up for it
Randall 6 - Good solid performance in what was difficult appearance
Lovren 7 - Best defender and made important tackle late on
Toure 6 - Worked hard but involved in mistake for first goal
Moreno 6 - Brilliant going forward to create both goals, poor defence
Allen 6 - Buzzed around and did his job, but not as effective as late
Stewart 6 - Really solid platform, will look to kick game forward
Milner 7 - Important figure again, and showed his versatility
Lallana 6 - Brilliant goal, but otherwise had a quiet afternoon
Sturridge 7 - Has that touch of class that makes him dangerous
Firmino 6 - Not his best afternoon, but is a subtle player
Subs:
Coutinho 6 (Randall 71)
Lucas 6 (Allen 72)
Ojo 6 (Lallana 83)
Newcastle
Darlow 6 - Made a couple of decent stops and couldn't be faulted
Anita 6 - Got down flank well and becoming important
Mbemba 7 - Strong in the middle, and made big contribition
Lascelles 6 - Has been an inspiration of late, even if not so here
Dummett 6 - Asked to do solid job and he did that well enough
Tiote 6 - Got away with rash challenge that should have been pen
Colback 7 - Goal was a real bonus, but hard work the key
Sissoko 8 MOTM. He made biggest impact with his drive
Perez 5 - Quiet half and then subbed in the interval
Townsend 6 - Has great pace but too often runs blind alleys
Cisse 7- His goal was moment the game swung round
Subs:
Wijaldum 6 (Perez 46)
Mitrovic 6 (Cisse 74)
Ref: Andre Marriner Attn: 43,837
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