The Magpies were excellent for 40 minutes and deservedly took the lead through Anthony Gordon. But a quick-fire brace from Hugo Ekitike flipped the game on its head.
Florian Wirtz went on to extend the Reds’ lead in the 66th minute before Ibrahima Konate added a fourth in stoppage time following an error from goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Eddie Howe named three changes from the midweek draw against Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain as Kieran Trippier, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon came in for Lewis Miley, Sven Botman and Nick Woltemade.
With Yoane Wissa also on the bench, Gordon led the line as Howe reverted back to his 4-3-3 system after going 5-4-1 in Paris. And it was Gordon, a boyhood Liverpool fan, who gave the Magpies the lead in the 36th minute when he drilled a shot into the bottom left corner.
But the lead lasted a matter of minutes as Ekitike poked home Florian Wirtz’s low cross. The French forward then made it a quick-fire double when he latched onto Milos Kerkez’s long ball to run freely into the box and finish past Nick Pope.
Barnes forced a low save from Alisson and that would be the last chance Newcastle had to equalise as Mohamed Salah broke down the right to tee up Wirtz for 3-1 in the 66th minute.
Konate then added a fourth in stoppage time when Pope dropped a corner into the defender’s path. Here are our Newcastle United player ratings:
Made himself big to deny Hugo Ekitike’s chipped effort but was later beaten by the Frenchman in quick succession. Possibly should have got a hand to Ekitike’s second. A howler at the end to gift Konate a goal.
1. Nick Pope - 5
Made himself big to deny Hugo Ekitike’s chipped effort but was later beaten by the Frenchman in quick succession. Possibly should have got a hand to Ekitike’s second. A howler at the end to gift Konate a goal. | Getty Images
An unfortunate slip gave Florian Wirtz the room he needed to set up Hugo Ekitike’s equaliser. A lack of pace sometimes left him exposed.
2. Kieran Trippier - 6
An unfortunate slip gave Florian Wirtz the room he needed to set up Hugo Ekitike’s equaliser. A lack of pace sometimes left him exposed. | Getty Images
A big challenge on Ryan Gravenberch at 0-0 but otherwise rocky. Gave Hugo Ekitike too much room to make it 2-1 and needlessly conceded possession in the build-up to Liverpool’s third.
3. Malick Thiaw - 4
A big challenge on Ryan Gravenberch at 0-0 but otherwise rocky. Gave Hugo Ekitike too much room to make it 2-1 and needlessly conceded possession in the build-up to Liverpool’s third. | Getty Images
Aerially involved in both boxes but had a couple of shaky moments, not least when he allowed Hugo Ekitike to go through on goal. Let-off by the striker aiming his shot wide.
4. Dan Burn - 6
Aerially involved in both boxes but had a couple of shaky moments, not least when he allowed Hugo Ekitike to go through on goal. Let-off by the striker aiming his shot wide. | AFP via Getty Images