Liverpool moved three points clear of second-placed Aston Villa at the top of the Premier League thanks to a 4-2 win over Newcastle at Anfield.

First Half

A game that was action-less for the first 10 minutes suddenly burst into life after Darwin Núñez found himself one-on-one with Martin Dubravka but his attempt was saved by the Newcastle goalkeeper.

Just six minutes after Liverpool's first shot on target, they took the lead through Luis Díaz's first goal in eight league games. However, the goal stood for just a few seconds after Núñez was adjudged to be offside when making contact with the ball first.

Despite his disappointment, Díaz went on a mazy run minutes later and won Liverpool a penalty with the home side finally looking like they'll open the lead.

Mohamed Salah, looking for his 150th Premier League goal for Liverpool stepped up but had the shot saved by Dubravka as Trent Alexander-Arnold skied the follow-up. It was a fourth penalty miss for Salah in his last 10 attempts with Liverpool fans left wondering if he should be taken off penalty duties.

Liverpool had yet another opportunity to open the scoring in the 35th minute when Núñez barged Fabian Schar off the ball and was once again one-on-one with Dubravka but his tame effort was easily saved as the goalkeeper saved Newcastle's blushes once again.

A game that was filled with Liverpool's domination, it was the away side's opportunity to have a chance at goal and they did when impressive build-up play led to Dan Burn getting on the end of a cross and heading in past Alisson Becker.

However, Alexander Isak was offside during the build-up play as Newcastle's goal was chalked off for offside.

Second Half

The second half continued just as the first ended - with plenty of action. Liverpool had their shooting boots ready as they took the lead just minutes after the break. A mazy run from Díaz found Núñez who laid it off to Salah, leaving the Egyptian with an empty goal. 

The Uruguayan could have scored and had back-to-back opportunities but was denied twice by Dubravka who was on top form during the game.

Liverpool continued to create chances but their lack of finishing came back to bite them after Alexander Isak deftly struck the ball past Alisson after being put through on goal by Anthony Gordon.

It looked like it just might not be Liverpool's night but with the introduction of Ryan Gravenberch, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo, a change was noticeable and a second goal was earned.

A sumptuous pass from Salah found Jota in the box who unselfishly passed it to Jones who tapped in from two yards out to regain Liverpool's lead. The goals - like London buses - just kept coming as Salah played an unbelievable pass using the outside of his boot to find Gakpo whose awkward finish bounced over Dubravka to give Liverpool a two-goal lead for the first time in the game.

That two-goal cushion didn't last long as Sven Botman headed in from a Sean Longstaff corner to set up a nervy end to the finish but the nerves were removed once Liverpool were awarded a second penalty of the night after Jota was brought down by Dubravka.

Taking his second spot kick of the night, Salah was much more composed as he scored his second of the night as Liverpool won 4-2 in a classic Premier League thriller. 

LFC Globe Verdict

It was an incredible performance by Liverpool who just couldn't find their shooting boots for the most evening clash.

Despite the victory, there is no doubt Jürgen Klopp will feel frustrated with his side's inability to kill teams off despite their dominance and the chances they created.

Nevertheless, it is three points for Liverpool who will now have to do without Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endō for potentially a month as they represent their countries in international tournaments.

Man Of The Match And What's Next?

Mohamed Salah was a constant threat for Dan Burn and not only scored twice but brilliantly assisted Cody Gakpo in the third goal of the game. Salah's all-around performance tonight demonstrates just how important he is to his Liverpool side and how big of a miss he's going to while he competes in the Africa Cup of Nations for Egypt. 

It's a short turnaround for Liverpool who next compete in the FA Cup as they travel away to Arsenal in the third round of the competition on Sunday (January 7) at 16:30 (UK time).