- Liverpool vs Newcastle was an iconic 90s rivalry
- Two sides involved in one of the great Premier League games
- Magpies have struggled against Reds in Premier League era
Liverpool vs Newcastle. Merseyside vs Tyneside. An iconic Premier League rivalry.
While there may not be geographical animosity between the two clubs, Liverpool and Newcastle are two of the country’s biggest and best-supported clubs in the land. It’s always an occasion when they meet head-to-head.
Newcastle’s struggles in recent times meant the fierce 90s duel certainly lost some of its edge, but the Magpies’ reawakening means their future clashes with the Reds could ignite memories of yesteryear.
Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle – April 1996
It doesn’t matter when you were born, you’ve definitely seen the highlights of this all-time Premier League classic.
A hugely significant bout in the context of the 1995/96 title race, Kevin Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ were at risk of surrendering a ten-point lead at the summit, with their slide after Christmas bringing Man Utd back into the championship picture.
This back-and-forth contest must’ve seeped out every emotion of anyone involved. Robbie Fowler gave the Reds an early lead before the enterprising Magpies quickly turned things around and led 2-1 after 15 minutes. Fowler’s second levelled proceedings after half-time, but Faustino Asprilla quickly restored Newcastle’s advantage.
Keegan’s men sought to end the contest thereafter, but they couldn’t land the killer blow which offered Liverpool a route back in. The hosts got their equaliser through Stan Collymore after 67 minutes, setting up an enthralling finale with both teams needing the three points. Then came the iconic moment.
“Barnes, Rush, Barnes…still John Barnes, Collymore closing in!!!” 4-3 Liverpool. Keegan slumped over the hoardings. Man Utd’s title.
Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle – March 1997
Who says history doesn’t repeat itself, eh?
Less than a year on from their iconic duel, the two sides played out another belter at Anfield. The stakes were similarly high with Newcastle and Liverpool both chasing United at the summit, but it looked as if the hosts would coast as they took a 3-0 lead over Kenny Dalglish’s Magpies.
The visitors came roaring back, however, and scored three times between the 71st- and 88th-minute to level proceedings. The drama didn’t end there, though, as Newcastle succumbed to more late drama in Merseyside. This time, Fowler delivered the killer punch as he nodded home Stig Inge Bjornebye’s cross.
Newcastle 1-4 Liverpool – August 1998
Following the prosperity of the Keegan and Dalglish eras, Newcastle attempted to move into a new dawn with Dutch legend Ruud Gullit at the helm.
Dalglish was sacked within the first month of the 1998/99 campaign and replaced by Gullit, who began his tenure with a thumping 4-1 defeat at home to Liverpool.
Inspired by the youthful exuberance of Michael Owen, the Reds were rampant on Tyneside as Owen scored a first-half hat-trick. Stephane Guivarc’h scored his only goal for the club amid Owen’s heroics, but Newcastle were 4-1 down by half-time after Patrick Berger added a fourth.
Newcastle 0-6 Liverpool – April 2013
Newcastle’s contemporary equivalent to Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ emerged under Alan Pardew in 2011/12 as they finished fifth in the Premier League, but any optimism swiftly dissipated the following year.
One of the lowest points on their way to a 16th-place finish was the 6-0 thrashing they succumbed to at the hands of the Reds towards the end of the season. Liverpool were once again on the rise under Brendan Rodgers, but they were by no means a force to be reckoned with.
Still, Rodgers’ men purred on Tyneside as they put six past the hapless Magpies. Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge both bagged braces, while Daniel Agger and Fabio Borini also got on the scoresheet.
Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool – May 2019
Newcastle were the most functional of units under Rafa Benitez, while Liverpool, now a juggernaut with Jurgen Klopp at the helm, were attempting to keep pace with Man City in the title race.
Many expected Benitez to make it tough for his former club in this pivotal contest, and it looked as if the hosts would take two points off the title hopefuls. However, as he so often did for the Reds, super sub Divock Origi came up with the goods four minutes from time to ensure the thrilling 2018/19 title race went to the final day.
Liverpool’s win briefly sent them to the top of the table and two points ahead of Man City, who’d go on to beat Leicester two nights later thanks to Vincent Kompany’s thunderous strike and eventually claim their second Premier League crown under Pep Guardiola.
Liverpool vs Newcastle – Complete H2H record
- Games played: 185
- Liverpool wins: 91
- Draws: 44
- Newcastle wins: 50
Liverpool vs Newcastle – Premier League H2H record
- Games played: 56
- Liverpool wins: 33
- Draws: 12
- Newcastle wins: 11
