Liverpool vs. Newcastle: Score, Reaction from 2016 Premier League Match

Newcastle United kept their dreams of Premier League safety alive after battling back to earn a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday. It was a happy homecoming for Magpies manager and former Reds boss Rafa Benitez, who saw his side turn around a 2-0 half-time deficit.

Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana had given Liverpool a commanding lead at the break, but Papiss Cisse and Jack Colback fired back in the second half to stun the Reds.

The Magpies are now level with Sunderland and just a point shy of Norwich in 17th, although they’ve played more games than both. Still, Benitez, who won the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup during his time with Liverpool, is beginning to make his mark.

Anfield chief Jurgen Klopp made a few changes ahead of next Thursday’s UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg against Villarreal.

Daniel Sturridge came in up front in place of the injured Divock Origi, while Kolo Toure replaced Mamadou Sakho at the heart of defence, per the club:

The #LFC squad for today’s meeting with @NUFC in full… pic.twitter.com/il6P0XhKgh

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 23, 2016

French centre-back Sakho was missing out while UEFA investigate a “possible anti-doping rule violation,” per Liverpool (h/t the Guardian’s Andy Hunter).

Meanwhile, Benitez once again left talented Dutchman Georginio Wijnaldum on the bench, according to the Magpies:

TEAM NEWS: Here is how Newcastle United line up at @LFC this afternoon. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/YU1tFvcE0O

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 23, 2016

The game was barely seconds old when Sturridge muscled his way onto the ball in the box before firing home. Miles Starforth of the Shields Gazette bemoaned the lack of resistance from Newcastle’s defence:

Daniel Sturridge turned and shot past Karl Darlow after taking down a lofted ball into the box. Far too easy. #nufc #lfc

— Miles Starforth (@milesstarforth) April 23, 2016

Sturridge has had his usual injury problems this season, but he’s still remained lethal in front of goal. The England man is on a prolific run currently, according to WhoScored.com:

Daniel Sturridge: Has now scored 8 goals in 12 Premier League appearances this season …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com