2. Newcastle 1-5 Liverpool, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6C1opabQeM It was a game which produced a Man of the Match Award for Shay Given, and simultaneously gave him his lowest ebb at St. James Park. The Irish shot-stopper had pulled off a string of world-class saves to keep the score down, but still couldnt help a porous Newcastle defence from leaking five goals. It was an absolutely drubbing, and an indication that the club would be slipping out of the top-flight sooner rather than later.
''Shay is very despondent following the very poor performance of the team against Liverpool last weekend. It was the lowest point of his football career and a performance that he would not wish to be repeated. We signed a new five-year contract in 2006, it was on the basis that the club would challenge for major honours, but on the present evidence, all that he can see ahead with the turmoil on and off the pitch is a battle for survival. - Shay Givens lawyer, Michael Kennedy, January 2009.
Steven Gerrard broke the deadlock with a piledriver after half an hour, before Sami Hyypia connected with his corner to double their money, and Canadian David Edgar pulled one back for the Magpies with a smart header before half-time. A display of defending that wouldnt have looked place in a Sunday League match was on show, as the Magpies defence watched and stared at a loose ball in the box before Ryan Babel poked home for a third. Gerrard soon clipped home a fourth before Xabi Alonso smashed a penalty into the top corner to finally break the Irish keepers spirit.