It could have been much worse for Newcastle if it hadn't been for some magnificent saves from 'keeper Shay Given, his first coming on 18 minutes, denying Nicholas Anelka.
He then denied Emile Heskey before the deadlock was finally broken by Liverpool on 32 minutes. Anelka's pace left the Newcastle defence standing, and although his pull back was too far for Owen, Danny Murphy was able to slot the ball past Given into the left hand corner.
Former Newcastle player Hamann tested Given with a ferocious shot on on 44 minutes, which Given was only able to parry.
Newcastle did have some chances of their own. Substitute Clarence Acuna, on for the injured Gary Speed, should have done better from six yards, as he shot over the bar from the rebound of Robert's free kick.
Murphy struck again in the 53rd minute, dancing his way through a crowd of Newcastle defenders before tucking the ball past Given.
Newcastle did strike back in the second half, only to see their goal ruled out for handball. Solano's free kick was parried, and it dropped to Carl Cort who bundled the ball into the net, but referee Jeff Winter disallowed it.
To make matters wores, Liverpool added to their tally, and it was former Magpie Hamann who rubbed salt into the Newcastle wounds. He beat Given with a shot from 25 yards.
Newcastle are still pushing for a place in the top four and a Champion's league birth, but any dreams of the title have been put to rest for now.