The Compliment Gossip

Fenerbache in for Van Persie, Lampard's staying for the season, Inter want Fabio Borini and more besides...



FENERBAHCE WANT VAN PERSIE
It's pretty clear to us all that you don't see the word 'monster' written in headlines enough, but the Daily Star today redress that balance: 'Fenerbahce eye MONSTER move for Manchester United striker Robin van Persie,' is their effort.

It really is a story very low on details, with two-thirds of the words dedicated to Matt Le Tissier's thoughts that Van Persie is in decline.

'According to reports in Turkey, the Dutch striker was the subject of a recent enquiry from the Superlig side,' say the paper, and we all roll our eyes. 

'It is being suggested that the Turkish club have contacted Van Persie's representatives but have been told a January deal is off the table,' the Star continue, and we all become entirely aware that no deal is likely.


LAMPARD'S STAYING PUT
The Daily Express have an 'exclusive' for us, and it's a bit of a whopper, actually. They claim that Frank Lampard will spend the whole of this season at Manchester City, rather than return to New York City in January. 

The other big claim is the wage that Lampard will earn at City. The Express believe it to be £191,000 a week, which is £39,000 more than he was on at Stamford Bridge. 

With Yaya Toure leaving for the Africa Cup Of Nations in January, Manuel Pellegrini is apparently keen to hold on to any home-grown players he can get his hands on. That's good news for Scott Sinclair.


INTER WANT BORINI. ISH.
The Daily Mirror report that Inter are keen to sign Liverpool misfit Fabio Borini in January. 

However, there is a small fly in the ointment, namely the £14m fee that Liverpool are expecting for him. Quite how Brendan Rodgers expects to make a profit on the striker is unclear. It's a ballsy ask.

In fact, Borini's entire career is quite odd. He is meant to be worth £14m and has previously moved for fees of £20m in his career. This is a player with 17 career top flight goals. Has everyone gone mad?


AND THE REST
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert could be sacked two months after signing a four-year contract extension if the club lose upcoming games against West Ham and Southampton... Former Manchester United and Everton manager David Moyes wants Phil Neville to be his No.2 if he takes charge at Real Sociedad... Manchester City and Bayern Munich will both attempt to sign Germany winger Marco Reus at the end of the season... Energy drink giants Red Bull are set to make a £60million bid to seize control of Leeds United from Massimo Cellino... Swansea and West Brom are tracking Alex Pritchard, who is currently on loan at Brentford from Spurs... New Bolton boss Neil Lennon has said he could return as Celtic manager one day and has discussed a future return with Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell.

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Actor James Franco Sued For Copyright Infringement

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) —  James Franco is being sued for alleged copyright infringement, according to a lawsuit filed by a British screenwriter.

Writer Cyril Humphris alleges Franco used part of a Charles Bukowski semi-autobiographical novel without properly securing the rights to the material.

Humphris filed the complaint in federal court. He says he owns the rights to the late writer’s “Ham on Rye,” which he alleges Franco adapted for “Bukowski.”

A message left with Franco’s production company, Rabbit Bandini Productions, which is also named as a defendant, was not immediately returned.

Humphris contends in his court papers that he has owned the exclusive motion-picture rights to the book for the past 20 years, “pursuant to a valid written assignment.”

The lawsuit alleges that in 2009, Franco and Humphris entered into an agreement in which the actor would have “certain rights” to develop a film based on the novel. Humphris said that the agreement was terminated the following year.

Franco “has seen and, on information and belief, read a draft screenplay that Humphris wrote based on the novel,” according to the complaint.

“Bukowski” focuses on the novelist-poet’s formative years growing up in an abusive household in working-class Los Angeles in the 1940s, the lawsuit says.

“The film incorporates entire scenes, including substantially their dialogue, from the novel,” the suit alleges. “Mr. Humphris has not authorized Mr. Franco, or anyone else, to make the film. In fact, after learning of Mr. Franco’s project, Mr. Humphris emailed him to express his concern and to ask for a copy of the shooting script for the film.”

The suit alleges that Franco responded once, saying he was working on “a little project” based on “one of Bukowski’s biographies” with some friends from New York University, but contact between Humphris and the actor stopped at that point.

The Franco-directed “Bukowski,” which stars Josh Peck and Shannen Doherty, is expected to be released later this year.

The suit seeks a permanent injunction halting release of the film, unspecified compensatory damages or an out-of-court settlement of $150,000 “for defendant’s willful infringement of plaintiff’s motion-picture rights to the novel.”

Bukowski died in 1994 at age 73 after publishing more than 60 books.

“Barfly,” a semi-autobiographical 1987 film written by Bukowski, starred Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway.

Apple Pay takes on MCX's CurrentC at Meijer Stores

Apple Pay will finally go head-to-head against the “retailer created” CurrentC, at Meijer stores as the company became the first to adopt Apple Pay.

By Josh Durso on October 31, 2014

Apple Pay and MCX’s CurrentC are going head-to-head in select stores, finally. After much discussion regarding which would be more successful – the Apple created mobile payment option – or the MCX created version, which came to fruition with a coalition of stores coming together and joining forces in supporting a payment method that doesn’t belong to Apple.

MCX’s CurrentC version is one that utilizes connection to checking accounts rather than a connection to a credit card, and according to the stores which are within the family of CurrentC supporters, it didn’t initially seem like any of those participating stores would include Apple Pay as an option in their stores.

Retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy, CVS, Gap, Target, and several others make up this coalition, of the sorts, and have all shot down the notion of accepting Apple Pay in their stores.

However, that trend is no more. One giant retailer that is focused in the Midwest have determined that it would be in their best interest to offer both, and Meijer will be that retailer. This is somewhat controversial because some have hinted that fines could be levied on those within the MCX group, if they were to offer the competing payment method – but MCX themselves have denied that.

Frank Guglielmi, a Meijer spokesman, was adamant about the company’s position when it comes to Apple Pay. “We have had the technology in our stores to accept mobile wallets for several years now. If a customer has Apple Pay capability, our hardware works with it.” He even went on to note that the company has no plans to “remove or disable these systems.”

See Also: How long will it take Apple Pay to succeed?

Meijer though has not left the MCX family. The company is listed on both websites respectively, as accepting CurrentC, as well as Apple Pay. However, it was made clear by Scott Rankin, MCX’s COO that those retailers within the CurrentC program are not allowed to use Apple Pay without any sort of financial penalty.

Though there are conflicting reports as to which is accurate, and whether retailers will be facing fees or penalties if they opt to use both, it would seem like a bad sign for MCX that they cannot stay on the same page regarding this particular issue. MCX though has been facing a lot of criticism this week though, beyond just Meijer’s allowance of Apple Pay in their stores.

CurrentC came under fire for being hacked before the payment method had been hacked, prior to the actual launch of the mobile payment method. This was a major blow to the company since this is the same payment method that doesn’t take credit cards, but rather collects social security numbers and checking account numbers instead.

It will be interesting to see how both fare against each other, when the time comes in Meijer stores, and how the company is treated within the MCX family during that period of offering both.

FCC Net Neutrality plan to cause clash between regulators and the companies

The FCC's ‘Net Neutrality’ plan that is getting closer to being proposed would likely reclassify broadband, and bring stricter regulation to the industry.

By Lynn Schindler on November 1, 2014

The FCC is perusing action that would aim to please everyone involved in the broadband war that has been many years in the making. The FCC’s Chairman is working to determine where broadband falls in the larger scheme, and working to determine what type of regulatory control can, and will be exerted on broadband providers.

Supporters of ‘Net Neutrality’ have long said that this action is well-overdue and that the internet should be regulated to the condition of ensuring that certain content providers cannot gain speed deals, that would allow their content to work more quickly. However, that is one of the issues that Chairman Tom Wheeler seems to be overlooking in his plan.

Though nothing is currently final, it’s nearly a foregone conclusion that whatever decision is made – it will be met by criticism of the broadband providers, and legal action which will inevitably delay the enacting of any plans that are approved. Any plans will also need to be approved by a vote. The five individuals on the commission will ultimately be the individuals to make this decision when push comes to shove.

Tom Wheeler and others have said that the goal is to create an internet where there are rules, and guidelines which will prevent providers from doing things like slowing down or even blocking certain content to customers.

The major move that seems to be taking place that is universally accepted on the side of ‘Net Neutrality” is the plan which would reclassify broadband, and even give the FCC the authority to block any arrangements that are made between content providers and broadband providers in an effort to maintain competition and trust within the industry. Rebuilding that trust is a part of the major roadblock that faces broadband service providers because so many already feel as though they’ve been cheated – with the amount of coverage these issues have been getting.

The plan though to reclassify the internet and preserve ‘Net Neutrality’ would come by classifying the Internet as a public utility. Currently, the situation is much different as it is currently classified as information services. In plain English, that means far less restriction, and a lot of grey area where many of those in favor of ‘Net Neutrality” believe that these providers are getting away with more than they should be able to.
The approach that the FCC is working on is said to be a “hybrid approach” that will aim to satisfy both sides.

Redfearn confident it will work

Leeds head coach Neil Redfearn is confident he will be given time to make his mark after watching his reign begin with a 3-1 defeat at Cardiff.

Redfearn's full-time appointment on an initial 12-month contract was confirmed a matter of hours before kick-off at Cardiff City Stadium.

He is already the third man to be tasked with leading the Yorkshire club this season by owner Massimo Cellino.

The 49-year-old did not get the start he wanted. Goals from Bruno Manga and Federico Macheda had put Cardiff in control after a quiet first half.

Alex Mowatt's well-taken effort got Leeds back into the game, only for a defensive mix-up between keeper Marco Silvestri and Guiseppe Bellusci to gift Kenwyne Jones Cardiff's third.

But Redfearn revealed he had sought assurances from Cellino, following the brief tenures of Dave Hockaday and Darko Milanic, that he is not a short-term appointment.

He said: "I spoke to Massimo and we talked about things going forward, which was a key point for me.

"I asked if he sees me as the future and he said he does, which is great for me.

"I have been here six years in total and have put in a lot of hard work. There is the caveat that I can go back to the academy if it does not work out, but I am very proud."

Of his side's performance, he added: "It was not a dazzling performance but for an hour it was a good away performance. We limited them and we countered well.

"But that period after half-time was where the damage was done. We gave ourselves a chance pulling one back, and I thought we might get something, but you cannot legislate for their third."

Cardiff's opener came just after the hour mark. Leeds were guilty of failing to clear a corner and, when Craig Noone whipped the ball back in, Sean Morrison headed down for Manga to guide his first Bluebirds' goal into the bottom corner.

Macheda doubled the lead six minutes later with his third goal in four games.

The former Manchester United forward turned away from his marker and drove forward to power a strike into the top corner with the aid of a deflection off Jason Pearce.

But Leeds battled back and raised hopes of salvaging a point when Mowatt fired across David Marshall from Souleymane Doukara's pass.

That hope proved short-lived as Silvestri and Bellusci dallied over a hopeful punt forward, and Jones snuck in for his sixth goal of the season.

Macheda has now scored in all three of Slade's wins in charge of Cardiff, after being a peripheral figure under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Slade believes the Italian is starting to hit his best form.

He said: "Kiko is a confidence player, he needs a run of games to get the best out of him and we are offering him plenty of encouragement.

"We are encouraging him to be stronger when the ball is played in to him and we know with his ability he is going to cause a lot of problems, especially when he turns defenders and drives forward.

"People forget he is still only 23 and he is still getting better, he is taking things on board.

"His confidence was a bit low when I joined the club, he had not performed very often, but he has had a run and is enjoying it."

The Page That Loves A Grapple

Manuel Pellegrini is facing a crisis that's not as bad as last year's crisis, Robbie Savage wants to stand by the predictions that were over-rided by the other predictions...

Written Off
The spotlight is very much on the terrible form of Manchester City in Friday's newspapers, with The Sun (amongst others) hammering the 'Deja Blue' line about City's title defence being even worse than two years ago.

'They actually had four points more at the end of October 2012 than they do now,' writes Martin Blackburn above a graphic showing that City indeed had 21 points from nine games in 2012 and they have just 17 points today.

What the graphic doesn't show and Blackburn doesn't mention: They had 16 points from nine games last season when, you know, they went on to win the Premier League title. So maybe, just maybe, drawing conclusions in October is a tad foolish.


Deja Blue Again
Quite how 'boss Pellegrini battles to keep title fight alive' with a points total higher than the same stage last season is not made clear by the Daily Mirror.

'This weekend, Chelsea could be nine points clear of City,' writes David Anderson as he ponders a 'nightmare' and 'the biggest crisis' of Manuel Pellegrini's reign.

And this time last year, Arsenal could have gone nine points clear of City; they didn't because Manchester City hammered Norwich 7-0 on their way to the Premier League title.


Six-Pointer
"In my time, we used to go there and say to ourselves 'it's six points a season'," says Andy Cole in the Daily Mirror as derby day approaches.

Number of league games between United and City during Andy Cole's seven years at the club: Five.


Desperate Back Page Of The Day
From the Daily Mail's 'DRONE ALERT!' story: 'POLICE are on red alert amid fears supporters will disrupt Sunday's Manchester derby by flying drones into the Etihad Stadium. Suspicions have been raised that fans will use drones to fly messages into the ground...'

And suspicions have been raised that the Daily Mail did not have a back page until Jack Gaughan came up with this crock of sh*t at roughly 8.25 on Thursday night.


Fairy Garden
The Sun's Chief Grumpypants Steven Howard has previously written that Louis van Gaal is 'away with the fairies' so he is in no mood to give Manchester United credit for a home draw with Chelsea.

'They still required a 94th-minute Robin van Persie equaliser against a team without Diego Costa, Loic Remy and Ramires,' writes an incredulous Howard.

You couldn't beat a Chelsea side without their third-choice central midfielder? They only had Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas and you still couldn't win? Now that's sodding embarrassing.

United players missing on Sunday: Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia, Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao.


INSIGHT
They're the 'talk of football' so it's to The Sun's columnists Alan Shearer and Ian Wright that Mediawatch turns for the low-down ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby. Who better to answer all the big questions but two former footballers with no connection to either team and little to no managerial experience?

To save you the subscription fee, we bring you the salient points from the big preview...

Why have City collapsed in the last three games?
AS: 'Hunger...who wants it more...not just about turning up.'
IW: 'Attitude...hunger...wanted it more...bodies on the line.'

'Robin Van Persie looked rejuvenated...is he still United's key player up front?
AS: Not really (we're paraphrasing here).
IW: 'He is still THE main man.'

Rooney...scissor-kick...too wound up...blah blah
AS: 'I believe he is mature enough to make sure he doesn't get too wound up.'
IW: 'The one thing you can guarantee with Wayne is that he is more than capable of coming up with the big goal on the big occasion.'

(NB: Rooney has scored against one top-half side - West Ham - in the whole of 2014).

Sergio Aguero...is he the Premier League's top finisher?
AS: Doesn't really answer the question but 'back to his best he will terrorise a shaky Manchester United backline'.
IW: 'He's EVERY defence's worst nightmare.'

Is Angel Di Maria Sunday's potential matchwinner?
AS: 'He can be a matchwinner.'
IW: 'Di Maria IS a matchwinner, simple as that.'

What's up with Yaya Toure?
AS: 'He has just not looked happy.'
IW: 'Don't rule him out having a huge say on Sunday.'

And that, people, is the 'talk of football'.


Cutting Political Teeth
"I can't believe it, but that's politics in football isn't it?" - Steven Gerrard on Luis Suarez's omission from the Ballon d'Or nominees list.

No Steven, that's biting in football.


Standing By
Robbie Savage on Aston Villa, August 15, Daily Mirror: 'Sorry, but I think they are going to struggle. The owner wants out and new signings Cole, Richardson and Senderos are not going to pull up any trees. Roy Keane will be a positive influence as manager Paul Lambert's No.2 but it could be a close call with relegation.'

Robbie Savage predicts a 15th-place finish for Aston Villa, September 4, Daily Mirror: 'I will NOT be changing my mind on the major issues at both ends of the table. This is how I think the Premier League will look next May, and I will stand or fall by these predictions.'

Robbie Savage on Aston Villa, October 31, Daily Mirror: 'Before a ball was kicked. I predicted that Villa would struggle this season, although I said they would NOT go down. A month into the season, after they won at Liverpool, I upgraded my forecast towards a comfortable mid-table finish...I'm afraid we are back to where we were in August, and I stand by my original forecast.'

The Savage guide to punditry: Make a whole host of contrasting predictions. And then stand by the one that comes true. Until it doesn't.


Hotel.com
Daily Mail, March 6: 'With Brazil hosting the World Cup this June and July, it is no surprise that Beckham is in town for the country's most important annual event. And with the footballing legend reportedly staying at the Fasano hotel on Ipanema Beach - the most stylish address in the city - MailOnline Travel takes a peek inside the city's top design hotel.'

Daily Mail, May 19: 'After arriving at the airport to a bevvy of female fans, David Beckham - who carried all his own luggage - retreated to the Fasano hotel in Ipanema Beach, known as the most stylish hotel in Rio.'

Daily Mail, June 17, in an article including 11 photographs of the Fasano hotel: 'In Brazil to support her husband and the England team, Coleen Rooney has just checked in to Rio de Janeiro's Fasano hotel with her family. Set on stylish Ipanema Beach, the £700-a-night hotel rubs shoulders with some of the most exclusive shops and boutiques in the city and has become something of a celebrity favourite.'

Daily Mail, June 17: 'Looking tired she carried her four-year-old son Kai into the Fasano luxury hotel which overlooks Ipanema beach...'

Charlie Sale, Daily Mail, June 18: 'The super friendly Brazilian welcome for the Rooney family at the Fasano Hotel on Ipanema Beach includes staff putting a tepee-style tent in their room plus cuddly toys, chocolates and Brazil shirts for children Kai and Klay.'

Daily Mail, September 1: 'Continuing our series on the world's hippest hotels and the stars who frequent them, Sarah Turner checks out the Fasano in Rio de Janeiro...'

Neil Ashton, Daily Mail, October 31: 'Sipping cappuccinos by the pool of the striking Fasano hotel in Rio de Janeiro last summer, Rio Ferdinand couldn't wait to get back to work...'

Mediawatch just hopes that Sale and Ashton didn't have to share a twin room.


His Name Is Rio...
It is from Ashton that we learn that Ferdinand 'deserves a better swansong' than being in a relegation battle with QPR and getting banned by the FA for a 'yo mamma' tweet. Neither of which are remotely his fault, of course. Poor Rio. 

But there are always silver linings - at least he got to sip cappuccinos by the pool of the striking Fasano hotel. We hear it's wonderful.


Quote Of The Day
"I've never read it. I don't know where you get it from. Every day someone has got something to say on Twitter. I don't understand. It would be easier - it would save all the hassle - if no one was on Twitter" - Harry Redknapp, just over a year after the famous #askHarry Q&A on the mysterious Twitter.


Worst Headline Of The Day
'SAMTA CLAUS' - The Daily Mirror.


Non-Football Story Of The Day
'A woman at a German pharmacy squirted breastmilk at a store clerk to distract staff as she stole from the cash register, police say. The woman, between the ages of 35 and 40, entered a pharmacy in Darmstadt, located 30 km south of Frankfurt, on Monday and said she was interested in purchasing a breast pump, the Darmstadt News reported. When she went to pay for the pump, she exposed a breast and used her hand to squirt milk at the clerk. She continued to spray milk on the counter, and approached a second cash register, police said' - Toronto Sun.

The Saturday Gossip

Real Madrid to bid £20m for Lloris, Napoli may deny they want Balotelli but secretly they do, and new Gerrard deal...



SPURS BRACED FOR LLORIS BID
According to the Daily Express, Real Madrid are plotting a £20m bid for Hugo Lloris in January.

The France No.1 signed a new five-year deal in the summer, but it's thought he remains desperate to play in the Champions League, which clearly won't happen with Spurs any time soon.

'The Spanish giants have turned to Tottenham's France goalkeeper as a possible replacement for the long-serving Iker Cassillas, who has had an inconsistent campaign,' report the Express.

'Real will be prepared to wait until next summer if a deal cannot be done in January, while French giants Paris St Germain, who targeted Chelsea's Petr Cech in the summer, are also interested.'


NAPOLI STILL KEEN ON BALOTELLI
Napoli may have denied holding an interest in Mario Balotelli this week, but The Metro maintain the Serie A side are keen on the striker as they prepare a 'major' offer.

'A £10million deal was being talked up this week, but now new reports say Napoli are prepared to offer Liverpool a huge fee to try and sign Balotelli in the new year,' claim The Metro.

'Benitez is keen to partner the former Manchester City man with Gonzalo Higuain and is confident of persuading Liverpool into selling.'

We're not convinced about this one.


LIVERPOOL TO OPEN TALKS WITH GERRARD
Just a day after Steven Gerrard hinted he would be willing to play elsewhere if Liverpool don't offer him a new contract, there are reports that the Reds want to open talks.

The 34-year-old's current deal expires at the end of the season, prompting him to say on earlier this week: "I won't be retiring this summer. I will play beyond this season. We will have to wait and see if that's at Liverpool or somewhere else. That's Liverpool's decision."

However, according to the Daily Mail, Brendan Rodgers still believes his captain can play a key role next year and wants an extension to be arranged ASAP.


AND THE REST
Manuel Pellegrini says Man City were priced out of a summer move for Angel di Maria...Brighton have signed keeper Ali Al Habsi on loan from Wigan...Netherlands striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has held talks over a new contract with German club Schalke which could scupper the hopes of Liverpool and Arsenal of signing him on a free next summer...Wolves are set to sign former Man Utd keeper Tomasz Kuszczak...Bradford are ready to sign striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake...Norwich have vowed to keep £5m striker Gary Hooper...Former Manchester United and Everton manager David Moyes is wanted by Spanish side Real Sociedad...

Liverpool Lose Again

Newcastle recorded their fourth straight victory as substitute Ayoze Perez secured them a 1-0 home win over Liverpool.

The marked upturn in form for Alan Pardew's Magpies continued on Saturday as Perez - the match-winner at Tottenham in their last league outing - struck the only goal of the game in the 73rd minute at St James' Park on Saturday, following a defensive mistake by Alberto Moreno.

The three points moved Newcastle up to ninth ahead of the rest of the weekend's top-flight action, just one point behind the seventh-place Reds.

Pardew made significant changes after Wednesday's 2-0 Capital One Cup victory at Manchester City with Rob Elliot, Massadio Haidara, Ryan Taylor, Rolando Aarons and Adam Armstrong making way for Tim Krul, Steven Taylor, Moussa Sissoko, Sammy Ameobi and Papiss Cisse.

Mario Balotelli returned to Liverpool's starting line-up after scoring his first goal in nine games against Swansea in midweek. The Italian striker was one of seven changes to the side which progressed to the Capital One Cup quarter-finals as he, Simon Mignolet, Moreno, Martin Skrtel, Steven Gerrard, Joe Allen and Raheem Sterling replaced Rickie Lambert, Brad Jones, Javier Manquillo, Kolo Toure, Lucas Leiva, Lazar Markovic and Fabio Borini.

After Skrtel deflected a fourth-minute Cisse shot wide, Newcastle had a penalty appeal turned down when Allen challenged Sissoko in the Liverpool penalty area, but Andre Marriner quickly waved play on.

The visitors were noticeably struggling to impose themselves on the game, with lone striker Balotelli and wide-man Sterling too often isolated whereas holding midfielder Mehdi Abeid was coming to the fore for the hosts.

Gabriel Obertan had to be stretchered off on 27 minutes with what looked to be a torn thigh muscle, allowing midweek goal hero Aarons to enter the fray.

Mignolet needed the help of defender Glen Johnson to head Cisse's 37th-minute shot off the line but it was Skrtel who had the best chance of the first half when he flashed a header wide of the post in the 40th minute from Gerrard's corner.

Cisse might have caused problems for Mignolet in injury time after Skrtel had been booked for a cynical trip on Sissoko two yards outside the penalty area, but the Senegal international lifted his effort high over.

Perez replaced Cisse - who had been struggling with a knee problem - before the restart, and Sissoko was somewhat fortunate to only receive a booking soon after for a studs-up challenge on Allen.

The visitors went close five minutes after the restart when Balotelli forced a solid save from Krul with a dipping, swerving free-kick, and the Holland international had to pluck another effort from the Italian out of the air five minutes later.

In the 57th minute, Krul made a superb one-handed save to his left to keep out Philippe Coutinho's header from a Gerrard cross from the right - but the flag had already been raised for offside.

Gerrard was playing significantly higher up the pitch and was far more effective as a result, although full-back Paul Dummett gave the visitors something to think about when he strode forward on the hour and blasted a left-foot drive just over.

Remy Cabella came on for Ameobi and Borini replaced Allen midway through the second period as Pardew and Brendan Rodgers looked to spice up their attacks.

The home side picked up the pace and drove Liverpool back towards their own goal as the half wore on, but with Gerrard pulling the strings, Liverpool were a different proposition and Borini fired wide from distance after running on to Sterling's 70th-minute lay-off.

Liverpool took a more direct approach in their search to break the deadlock, but ended up being punished by Perez.

After a one-two with Dummett, Sissoko's pass intended for Cabella was intercepted but crucially not cleared by the stumbling Moreno, allowing Newcastle's Spanish ace to hammer the loose ball home.

Mignolet made an impressive save shortly afterwards to deny Cabella after a quick break involving Perez, while the visitors pushed for an equaliser at the other end - but to no avail.

Newcastle's next assignment is away to West Brom on Sunday week. Liverpool, who failed to score away from home in the league for the first time in almost a year, are away to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night before then hosting Chelsea next Saturday.