Resurgent Newcastle leave Liverpool in despair
Magpies notch their fourth consecutive victory in all competitions
Newcastle's resurgence continued with a 1-0 win over Liverpool, who slumped to their fourth defeat of the Premier League season on Saturday.
Spanish substitute Ayoze Perez earned in-form Newcastle the victory at St James' Park.
Liverpool, for whom striker Mario Balotelli endured another frustrating afternoon, were beaten when Perez pounced on a blunder by visiting left back Alberto Moreno to score in the 73rd minute.
I've needed a tin hat at times but when the good times come, this is as good a city to be in as any
It was Newcastle's fourth consecutive victory in all competitions, following their shock League Cup win over holders Manchester City in midweek, and saw Alan Pardew's side provisionally climb to ninth place in the table.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, who had been vilified by fans for the team's earlier faltering performances, told BT Sport he was surprised to see a friendly message written on a banner and recalled the words of the late great Magpies manager Bobby Robson.
"This is Newcastle," he said. "You have to know there are real highs, and as Bobby Robson said, the highs are massive here and the lows are equally as low.
"He needed a tin hat at times, I've needed a tin hat at times but when the good times come, this is as good a city to be in as any."
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said: "We were punished for a mistake and that is what cost us the game. The options in front of the ball were good but we probably lacked that little bit in the final third of the field. We did not create as much as we would have liked."
Under-fire striker Mario Balotelli almost missed the start of the second half, ambling out on to the pitch. "It is not about Mario Balotelli. We collectively lost as a team and we are disappointed at that," said Rodgers.
Unbeaten league leaders Chelsea were made to battle for a 2-1 win over strugglers Queens Park Rangers at Stamford Bridge. The winner came from Eden Hazard with a 75th-minute penalty after Charlie Austin had pulled QPR level in the 62nd minute. Oscar had put Chelsea ahead with a curling shot in the first half.
Chelsea moved to 26 points, four points clear of second-placed Southampton, who won 1-0 at Hull City with Victor Wanyama crashing home a 40-metre shot after three minutes.
Arsenal left Burnley without a win in their first 10 games by beating them 3-0 at the Emirates with Alexis Sanchez scoring twice and Calum Chambers also finding the net to move the Gunners above West Ham United into fourth place. West Ham came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Stoke City.
Everton and Swansea drew 0-0 while West Bromwich Albion won 1-0 at Leicester City, an own goal from Esteban Cambiasso.
