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LIVERPOOL opened up a six point lead at the top of the table with a comfortable win over sorry Newcastle.

Goals from Dejan Lovren, Mo Salah, Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho piled the pressure on Manchester City, as in truth, Jurgen Klopp's side never really got out of third gear.

 Dejan Lovren's wonder volley sent Liverpool into the lead at Anfield
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Dejan Lovren's wonder volley sent Liverpool into the lead at AnfieldCredit: EPA

Klopp's side have also equalled City's goal difference and have shown no signs that their title challenge is about to fizzle out.

Ironically, Newcastle had a golden chance to take the lead in the eighth minute but Joselu missed a sitter, as his header from Matt Ritchie's cross went hopelessly wide.

At the other end, Shaqiri squandered another opportunity to break the deadlock when he scuffed wide from Sadio Mane's pass.

But there was nothing wrong with Lovren's opener for Liverpool in the 11th minute when he slammed home a half-volley from 15 yards.

Does Liverpool star Mo Salah dive as Paul Dummet touches his shoulder?
 Lovren's strike sees Liverpool retain their lead at the top of the Prem
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Lovren's strike sees Liverpool retain their lead at the top of the PremCredit: Reuters
 Croatian defender Lovren celebrates in front of the Anfield crowd
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Croatian defender Lovren celebrates in front of the Anfield crowdCredit: Rex Features
 Controversy surrounded Mohamed Salah's second-half penalty
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Controversy surrounded Mohamed Salah's second-half penaltyCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Xherdan Shaqiri added the third for Jurgen Klopp's men
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Xherdan Shaqiri added the third for Jurgen Klopp's menCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Fabinho rounded off the scoring after coming off the bench
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Fabinho rounded off the scoring after coming off the benchCredit: Reuters

Shaqiri's cross was only half-cleared by Jamaal Lascelles, who headed the ball back into the danger area and Lovren hammered past Martin Dubravka.

Liverpool continue to press forward but for all their possession they did not trouble Dubravka, as Mane and Shaqiri missed chances while Mo Diame made a good interception to deny Virgil van Dijk.

Although Dubravka did need to be alert to tip over Shaqiri's free-kick just before the break.

Rafa Benitez's would have reminded his Newcastle team about their defensive duties during his half-time team.

 Jurgen Klopp celebrates a comfortable victory against Newcastle
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Jurgen Klopp celebrates a comfortable victory against NewcastleCredit: Reuters
 Rafa Benitez suffered defeat at his former club
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Rafa Benitez suffered defeat at his former clubCredit: Reuters

But that went out of the window in the 47th minute as Paul Dummett tugged Salah in the penalty box and the forward went down like a tonne of bricks.

There was contact from the Newcastle defender, yet Salah's theatrics no doubt helped convince referee Graham Scott to award the penalty.

Salah took the resulting spot-kick and slammed past Dubravka to put Liverpool in control.

Shaqiri added a third when he slotted home after some excellence play from Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

And substitute Fabinho added a fourth to sink Newcastle with a simple header at the near post from Salah's corner from the right.

Watch all the Premier League action from Boxing Day in our round-up
 Sadio Mane stretches for the ball in front of the Anfield crowd
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Sadio Mane stretches for the ball in front of the Anfield crowdCredit: AFP or licensors
 Reliable Virgil van Dijk kept another clean sheet for Liverpool
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Reliable Virgil van Dijk kept another clean sheet for LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
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