Steven Gerrard has ended a troubled year in fine style by leading Liverpool to a 3-1 victory over Newcastle United that sent the Anfield club into fifth place in the English football premier league.
The England midfielder, who missed much of 2011 with a groin injury and an ankle infection, scored the third goal 12 minutes from time after coming on as a 59th-minute substitute.
Striker Craig Bellamy also scored twice against his former club after Newcastle had taken the lead midway through the first half through France midfielder Yohan Cabaye.
Newcastle, who have now lost seven times in succession at Anfield, are seventh on the table.
