Newcastle 2-0 Liverpool: Wijnaldum gives McClaren much-needed win

Jurgen Klopp's men suffered a surprise defeat at St James' Park as the hosts picked up only their third Premier League win of the season

Newcastle breathed life back into their season with a 2-0 win over Liverpool at St James’ Park, thanks to a Martin Skrtel own goal and a stoppage time strike by Georginio Wijnaldum.

The Dutch midfielder played a pivotal role in breaking the deadlock when his 69th-minute shot forced Skrtel to put through his own goal.

Liverpool struggled for fluency throughout, despite coming into the match on the back of seven wins from eight outings in all competitions, although they were entitled to feel aggrieved when Alberto Moreno had a sensational volleyed equaliser ruled out for offside.

Wijnaldum, who scored four when Newcastle beat Norwich City on home turf earlier in the campaign, made sure of the points in stoppage time as Jurgen Klopp's team streamed forwards in search of a late leveller.

Christian Benteke spurned Liverpool's best chance from five yards around midway through the first half and they remain seventh having passed up the opportunity to draw level on points with fifth-placed Tottenham.

Newcastle offered the ideal response for under-fire boss Steve McClaren following the 5-1 loss at Crystal Palace and they only remain inside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Siem de Jong made his first Premier League start of the season for Newcastle in place of Ayoze Perez – the only alteration to the XI that was humbled at Selhurst Park.

Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge scored five of Liverpool's six goals in Wednesday's League Cup demolition of Southampton, but both strikers dropped to the bench as Jordon Ibe and Roberto Firmino supported Benteke in attack.