Liverpool vs. Newcastle: 8 Things We Learned at Anfield

Liverpool completed a comeback at Anfield to end up 3-1 winners over Newcastle. While the overall game was not exciting there were some good moments for the home team.

Steven Gerrard came on and sparked his team into life while eventually closing out the victory by scoring the final goal.

Before that, Craig Bellam had two good finishes that showed how talented the well-traveled Welshman is.

Liverpool now sits in fifth position in the league, one point ahead of Arsenal who has one game in hand. The January transfer window is just around the corner and reinforcements could be on the way.

Here are some things we learned from today's game.

Craig Bellamy Can Step Up When Needed

Craig Bellamy stepped up and let his fans and his teammates forget about Luis Suarez for a night. He scored the equalizer with a brilliant finish and his match winner was a good one as well.

If Bellamy can continue to produce moments like this to ease the burden of Suarez and Steven Gerrard then things will get better for Liverpool.

Jay Spearing May Be a Suitable Long-Term Replacement for Lucas

Liverpool may still end up getting a Lucas Leiva replacement in January but if they don't it is because of Jay Spearing.

Spearing had a solid game in central midfield. He was good in the pass and shielded the defense well. If no replacement is brought in and he continues to play in Lucas' place, he will only improve.

Andy Carroll Should Not Be Left Up Top Alone

At least for now. Carroll was again short of confidence and though he rattled the crossbar with a header, on other occasions his touches were less sure.

Carroll should play with a partner until he gets some confidence to lead the line on his own. The eight-game suspension for Luis Suarez looms and Liverpool would love to have its No. 9 firing on all cylinders.

Liverpool Still Needs Another Forward

Liverpool still needs another forward even if it's just for depth. Whoever that forward is, he could partner with Carroll for the time that Suarez is suspended.

This new signing doesn't have to be a major buy but it should be someone dependable. That signing would not just be for this year but next year as well.

Liverpool Can Make Waves If/When Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez Play Together

That means when they play together for an extended period of time. Since Suarez's arrival the two have not been able to form a prolonged partnership mainly due to Gerrard's various injuries.

Suarez has been a force for Liverpool in his short time and Gerrard during his lengthy one. If these two can combine for a full season together, Liverpool will be tough to beat.

Liverpool's Defense Is Its Backbone

Manchester United may have the least goals allowed right now but they played one less game than Liverpool.

Pepe Reina is a quality goalkeeper and he has a very solid defensive unit with which to work. Jose Enrique was a very solid buy and Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger have been together for a good while.

Let's not forget Jamie Carragher, as well as the likes of Sebastian Coates and Martin Kelly waiting in the wings. Liverpool's defense is pretty good and it has some depth.

Liverpool Can Go Undefeated at Anfield

While most of Liverpool's points at Anfield have come in the form of draws, they are undefeated at Anfield. The performance wasn't really the greatest, yet the team came out on top.

With that defensive unit, the fan support and a fully fit and capable offensive setup, Liverpool could prove themselves to be unbeatable at home. If that unbeatable record came with more wins than draws then it would be even better.

Steven Gerrard Is Back

Steven Gerrard may not have had his pace and full fitness about him but he willed his team to victory. His appearance sparked the crowd and the players into life.

He did it without being greedy too. He let Craig Bellamy hit the free kick that was eventually the match-winning goal even though we all know how great he is from that range.

His passing was on point and he even topped it all of with a well-placed finish.