Smash hit

Lacking the suspended Sébastien Bassong, without a recognised right back and with José Enrique looking lost on the left, Joe Kinnear bemoaned his fortune, although he acknowledged Gerrard’s contribution. “He’s probably the best player I’ve seen for a long, long time,” the Newcastle manager said.

Gerrard scored Liverpool’s first in the 31st minute when, after a fine pass by Javier Mascherano, his shot found the net via a deflection off the woodwork. The England midfield player added the fourth when he was put through by Lucas, haring towards the area before lifting the ball over Given.

Sandwiched in between, Gerrard delivered a pair of corners that prompted pandemonium and two more goals, a towering header from Sami Hyypia – left unmarked – and a scramble that allowed Ryan Babel to bundle the ball across the line. “I’m not happy with some of the defending, especially at set plays,” Kinnear said, “but Liverpool took full advantage of our problems.”

When David Edgar headed in a corner from Danny Guthrie in the 45th minute, Newcastle were provided with a lifeline they scarcely merited, but proceeded to shun.

“That was probably the only disappointment we had at half-time – not being three or four up by then,” Gerrard said. “But Newcastle have a world-class keeper and he made some fantastic stops. Credit to Shay. But we certainly played very well and that’s reflected in the score.”

Not that it was required, but insurance came when Edgar hacked down David Ngog and Alonso converted a clear-cut penalty in style. If this had been a cricket match, Liverpool would have been mulling over a declaration, although their reluctance to sit back was admirable. “People ask about perfect performances, but we have to look for improvements,” Lee said.

For Ashley and Newcastle, whose stadium was full for the first time this season, it was a galling episode. The club may no longer be for sale, but in regard to ambition and sense, they are bankrupt. As Kinnear said: “Liverpool are head and shoulders above us.” Not to mention a torso.

Newcastle (4-4-1-1): S Given 9 D Edgar 4 S Taylor 4 F Coloccini 4 J Enrique 3 J Gutiérrez 5 N Butt 4 D Guthrie 4 C N’Zogbia 4 D Duff 5 M Owen 5 Substitutes: F Ameobi 6 (for Enrique, 46min), Gérémi 4 (for Butt, 57), K LuaLua (for Owen, 79). Not used: S Harper, Xisco, T Kadar, A Carroll. Next: West Ham (h).

Liverpool (4-4-1-1): J M Reina 4 J Carragher 6 S Hyypia 7 D Agger 7 E Insua 7 Y Benayoun 7 Lucas Leiva 7 J Mascherano 7 R Babel 7 S Gerrard 9 D Kuyt 7 Substitutes: X Alonso 7 (for Benayoun, 60), D Ngog 6 (for Gerrard, 70), M Skrtel (for Kuyt, 79). Not used: D Cavalieri, R Keane, A Riera, N El Zhar. Next: Stoke (a).

Referee M Halsey Attendance 52,114