Liverpool v Newcastle Timeline & H2H Stats

Liverpool and Newcastle are not huge rivals historically speaking, and the fans and cities have much in common. They are also linked by some true icons of both clubs, with Kevin Keegan revered by fans of both, Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness and Rafa Benitez having managed both clubs, and several other players having played for the Reds and the Magpies in recent years.

Since Newcastle’s Saudi takeover the clubs have become, and are likely to continue to be, rivals at the top end of the Premier League. Indeed, in 2022/23, the Magpies pipped the Reds to fourth place in the league and the crucial Champions League qualification. It will be interesting to see how this rivalry develops in the years ahead, with the Geordie outfit surely on the up and Liverpool trying to keep pace with them and other richer clubs.

4-3 Thrillers

Looking backwards though, it is impossible to talk about Liverpool’s meetings with Newcastle without thinking about the two classic 4-3 thrillers the sides produced in the 1990s. Both were stunning games, especially for Liverpool supporters and neutrals, but the clash on the 3rd of April, 1996 is undoubtedly one of the best the Premier League has ever produced.

With the league well into “squeaky bum time”, both clubs still had a chance of claiming Premier League glory, though Man United had the upper hand, despite the Magpies having established a 10-point lead at Christmas. The Reds had home advantage and the superior form and they started the game brightly, taking the lead through Robbie Fowler after just two minutes.

The game swung wildly, with huge shifts in momentum and brilliant attacking play from both sides. Newcastle hit back quickly to lead 2-1 after just 14 minutes, but into the second half the home team hit back to level after 55 minutes. Colombian Tino Asprilla almost instantly restored the away side’s advantage but then 10 minutes later Stan Collymore scored to make it 3-3.

A draw would probably have been a fair result but football is so often at its best when it isn’t fair, and in added time Collymore rounded off a fine move to give the Reds the points. The former England striker wheeled away in front of an ecstatic Anfield, whilst former club legend but then manager of Newcastle, Kevin Keegan, hung his head in dismay.

Amazingly, the corresponding fixture the following season also ended in a 4-3 win for Liverpool. It wasn’t quite as thrilling but it wasn’t far off. The Reds were 3-0 up with just 20 minutes left, before Newcastle hit back to make it 3-3 after 88 minutes. However, once again the Reds found a winner, Fowler making it 4-3 in the 90th minute.

Liverpool’s Full Match History Against Newcastle