Liverpool hammer Newcastle to finish year on top

Ahead of 2009, the Reds have an unassailable four-point lead over second-placed Chelsea, who visit Fulham later on Sunday.

Captain Steven Gerrard opened the scoring after 31 minutes when he dispatched Yossi Benayoun's deft backpass from 12 yards out to beat the brave Shay Given.

The on-fire Gerrard turned provider five minutes later, delivering a precious corner to Sami Hyypia, who headed in the second.

In the last minute of stoppage time, Newcastle pulled one back, thanks to a fine header by defender David Edgar.

Five minutes after the break, the visitors restored their two-goal cushion through Ryan Babbel, who scored from point-blank range amid a six-yard box tussle.

Gerrard scored his second of the game on 66 minutes, cleverly chipping Given, who was left stranded with his side's poor defense.

Substitute Xabi Alonso completed the rout 13 minutes from time, converting a spot kick after David Ngog was brought down.