Liverpool reignited their challenge for a top-four finish by beating Newcastle United 2-0 this evening.

Raheem Sterling fired Liverpool ahead early on, before Joe Allen doubled their lead midway through the second half.

The Magpies rarely threatened and they finished the night with 10 men after Moussa Sissoko was sent off.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the events that unfolded at Anfield.

Match Statistics:

LIVERPOOL:
Shots 14
On Target 6
Possession 62%
Corners 6
Fouls 8

NEWCASTLE UNITED:
Shots 10
On Target 3
Possession 38%
Corners 6
Fouls 17

Was the result fair?

This was a thoroughly deserved victory for Liverpool, who dominated from the start. They looked keen to get over their recent defeats to Manchester United and Arsenal, and Sterling set them on their way with a wonderful finish. Even though the Reds were in complete control, Newcastle had decent spells either side of half time and they may have been awarded a penalty when Ayoze Perez went down inside the box under Dejan Lovren's challenge. The game could have ended very differently if it were given, but instead Liverpool went on to score a second goal to completely kill off their opponents' slim hopes.

Liverpool's performance

Brendan Rodgers will be delighted at how his team played this evening. They showed signs of getting back to their best and they played some wonderful attacking football, especially in the opening 45 minutes. From the moment that Sterling curled them into the lead, they never looked like losing and apart from a couple of scares, it was a comprehensive win. This was a big result for them given their recent disappointments and they are now four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, who themselves have been in woeful form of late.

Newcastle United's performance

The end of the season can't come soon enough for Newcastle, who slipped to their fifth successive league defeat. They were blown away by Liverpool in the first half and they were lucky to be just a goal down at the break. An improved second-half performance followed, but they never showed enough quality to really trouble the Liverpool defence and they paid the price. Sissoko's late red card added to their misery and things could get worse for them at the weekend, when a number of fans are planning to boycott their match against Tottenham Hotspur.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Lucas Leiva: There were some great performances from Liverpool this evening, but Lucas Leiva just about edges the vote. The Brazilian was a rock in the centre of the midfield and he made a number of crucial challenges. He has returned to fitness at the perfect time for his club and his impact will be vital in the remaining weeks of the season.

Biggest gaffe

Sterling may have scored a brilliant goal to set Liverpool on their way to the three points, but he missed a glorious chance to net a second goal after the break. He was found completely unmarked inside the box by Jordan Henderson, but with the goal at his mercy, he placed a shot wide of the post. It did not cost his side this evening, but better teams may have punished them.

Referee's performance

Lee Mason had a huge decision to make in the first half when Ayoze went down inside the box under a tackle from Lovren, but he didn't award a penalty. It was unclear how much contact there was between the two players and even after watching several replays it's hard to make a definitive decision. There was no doubt that he made the right call in sending off Sissoko for a horrible tackle on Lucas.

What next?

Liverpool: The Reds have a massive FA Cup semi-final on Sunday against Aston Villa at Wembley.

Newcastle United: The Magpies are also in action on Sunday, as Tottenham Hotspur travel to St James' Park.