Luis Suárez of Liverpool celebrates his goal against Newcastle United at ... - The Guardian

Luis Suárez's 10th goal of the season, another mesmerising display from the Uruguay striker and a red card for Fabricio Coloccini could not maintain Liverpool's Anfield hold over Newcastle United as Brendan Rodgers's team were forced to settle for a point at home. Coloccini was sent off with six minutes remaining for a dangerous foul on Suárez, to the obvious disgust of Alan Pardew, but the visitors held out to avoid a 16th defeat in 18 league visits to Anfield.

Liverpool began brightly for 20 minutes with the movement of Suárez and Raheem Sterling stretching the Newcastle defence and Steven Gerrard prepared to shoot on sight. But too often, usually in the absence of a finishing touch from the relentless Suárez, Liverpool have mastered the art of looking good without hurting their opponent and for 67 minutes Pardew's team were no exception.

Newcastle toiled in those opening exchanges and the suspended Cheik Tioté was sorely missed as Liverpool found space behind the visiting midfield time and again. Fabricio Coloccini commenced his exhausting afternoon of trying to keep Suárez in check with an important interception at his near post and Suso had two efforts deflected wide having cut in from the right.

Hatem Ben Arfa and Papiss Cissé gave scant protection to their full-backs but perversely once James Perch, one of their better performers, limped off with a thigh injury the visitors finally entered the contest. The introduction of Danny Simpson at right back and Vurnon Anita's switch into central midfield brought greater solidity, Liverpool were unable to find Suárez so easily and both Newcastle's passing and threat improved. Though it was still a shock to Anfield when Pardew's team took the lead moments before the break.

Tim Krul saved from Suárez with his legs and the Uruguay international had another attempt deflected to the Newcastle keeper following a solo run that demonstrated Liverpool's need for the striker to often go alone. Then, after a foul throw committed by Andre Wisdom, Newcastle broke in devastating style. Ben Arfa escaped the close attention of former team-mate José Enrique to reach the line from Demba Ba's pass and crossed perfectly for Yohan Cabaye at the back post. The French international had time to control before beating Brad Jones with a clinical finish across goal.

Suárez and Nuri Sahin both went close with shots on the turn as the home side dominated possession and they finally found a route to goal from an uncharacteristic long ball. Jonás Gutiérrez sliced a careless pass to José Enrique and the Liverpool left-back launched a first time pass over the Newcastle defence. Suárez, having escaped Coloccini once more, controlled superbly on his shoulder, rounded Krul and rolled into an empty net.