Relegation plot thickens as Magpies endure horror show against Reds

Slowly but surely Newcastle have been dragged into the relegation dogfight and a calamitous performance against Liverpool will have alarm bells ringing at St James Park.

Strikes from Daniel Agger and Fabio Borini (remember him?) backed up doubles from Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge, as the Reds crushed Alan Pardew’s men 6-0.

The result leaves them just five points clear of relegation, having played one more game than their fellow strugglers.

This latest defeat is the culmination of a loss of form that has seen them collect just seven points from eight games and with tricky away fixtures at QPR and West Ham to follow, before a season finale at home to Arsenal, a price of 12/1 to go down should have punters rushing to the bookies.

It could have been worse for the Geordies if it wasn’t for Emmerson Boyce, who went from hero to villain when his 90^th minute own goal broke Wigan’s hearts at the end of an enthralling game against Spurs.

The defender had opened the scoring in the first half and with a minute to go and the Latics holding a 2-1 lead, most supporters had banked the win that would have taken their inconsistent side out of the drop zone. But the Barbadian’s late howler leaves them two points adrift with four to play.

However, with home games against Swansea and Aston Villa to come, is a relegation price of 1/2 a little short?

Elsewhere, Stoke put daylight between themselves and the trapdoor with an important win at home to Norwich, while Manchester City consolidated their silver medal with victory over West Ham.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.