Gerrard, who said he was looking forward to seeing the back
of 2011 after missing several months with a groin injury and an ankle
infection, was introduced as a 59th-minute substitute with the score 1-1 and
Newcastle looking strong.
By the final whistle the England international had scored
the third goal, provided three clear-cut chances for Andy Carroll and lifted
the quality and confidence of a team that had previously won only three times
at home in the league this season.
Welsh striker Craig Bellamy netted twice against his former club
but so convincing was Gerrard's cameo display that the fit-again midfielder was
named man of the match.
"To get on the scoresheet and get three points was a
perfect return," the 31-year-old Gerrard told Sky Sports. "I have had
a terrible year with a lot of injuries but I just want to look forward." Liverpool
manager Kenny Dalglish said: "Steven has a wee bit of mileage left in him
yet. Today was a great reward for him and everybody who has helped him get back
to fitness."
With 12 minutes remaining Gerrard made a well-timed run into
the penalty area, and after being found by a neat Jordan Henderson pass, he
slipped the ball underneath Newcastle keeper Tim Krul from a narrow angle.
It was enough to move Liverpool (34 points from 19 games) up
into fifth place before Saturday's main program of fixtures. Newcastle (30) are
seventh.
Manchester United (45) can go three points clear at the top
if they beat Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
Leaders Manchester City, on the same points as neighbors
United but with a superior goal difference, travel to Sunderland on Sunday.
France midfielder Yohan Cabaye headed Newcastle in front
after 25 minutes but Bellamy equalized four minutes later with a precize low
finish from the edge of the box that went through a ruck of players.
Eight minutes after Gerrard left the bench, Daniel Agger was
fouled and Bellamy bent a free kick past Krul from 25 meters.
Newcastle went close in the 70th minute when Demba Ba's
improvised flick was heading for goal until Martin Skrtel raced toward his own
line to pull off a dramatic clearance.
England striker Carroll, bought from Newcastle in January
for a fee of 35 million pounds ($54.39 million), had another frustrating night,
fluffing one clear chance and sending a header from a Gerrard cross against the
bar.
