Liverpool's season ended with mixed emotions this afternoon as a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at Anfield on the final day was not enough for them to win the title.
The hosts fell behind in the 18th minute as Martin Skrtel set a new and unwanted Premier League record for most own goals in a season, netting his fourth with a sliced clearance past Simon Mignolet.
Liverpool struggled to get going in the match but launched a two-minute salvo to turn the game around, with Daniel Agger and Daniel Sturridge both converting Steven Gerrard free kicks at the back post.
Shola Ameobi was shown two yellow cards in quick succession to receive his marching orders before the game had restarted, while Paul Dummett was shown a straight red late on to ensure Newcastle finished the match with just nine men.
Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at an eventful but anti-climatic afternoon on Merseyside.
Match statistics
Liverpool
Shots: 13
On target: 5
Possession: 67%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 8
Newcastle
Shots: 8
On target: 2
Possession: 33%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 16
Was the result fair?
Just about. Liverpool were far short of their best today and the victory certainly wasn't as comfortable as many might have expected before the match, but they had enough chances to warrant the win.
Having said that, they were fortunate to go into the break with just a one-goal deficit as Simon Mignolet made an important stop to deny Yoann Gouffran when the Newcastle midfielder only had the keeper to beat. The Magpies were looking relatively comfortable before the equaliser, but those two goals in as many minutes turned the game on its head.
The two red cards certainly didn't help the visitors in their attempts to get back into the match, particularly Shola Ameobi's as it came before the game had even restarted after the second goal. Once Liverpool were ahead, they never really looked like squandering the lead.
Liverpool's performance
The hosts looked for all the world like a team that did not think they stood a chance of winning the title this afternoon, beginning the game sluggishly and struggling to hold on to the ball. Their build-up play was slow and the passing was inaccurate, a direct contrast to the strengths that had helped them challenge for the title.
Instead of coming up with a response to the Crystal Palace collapse, they still seemed to be deflated, which is perhaps understandable. However, they had a good chance to put the pressure on Manchester City by starting quickly, something that never materialised.
Things did change following the introduction of Philippe Coutinho on the hour mark, however, and for the final 30 minutes the hosts were the better side. They got their three points and their 100th league goal in the end, but it was by no means their best performance of the season.
Newcastle's performance
By contrast, many people were expecting Newcastle's season to end with a whimper after their dreadful form since the turn of the year. With growing fan pressure on Alan Pardew and a perceived lack of effort in recent weeks, it seemed to be a case of getting the season over and done with as quickly as possible.
However, the Magpies put in a spirited display on the final day, preventing Liverpool from playing their usual game and looking dangerous when going forward as well. They deserved the lead at the break and could have had more but for an important save from Mignolet.
Two goals and two red cards in the final 30 minutes does suggest something of a collapse from the visitors, but they never let up in terms of effort. They were helped by a lacklustre Liverpool display, but even when not at their best it is tough to stop Sturridge, Suarez and Sterling with just nine men.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Steven Gerrard: In truth, there were no standout candidates for the man of the match award today. No player grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and, while Shola Ameobi did cause the Liverpool defence problems, his mindless red card rules him out of contention.
Instead it goes to Steven Gerrard, who didn't have the best game of his career but did have a telling impact on the result. The Liverpool skipper assisted both of his side's goals with dangerous deliveries from free kicks, and his set pieces were a problem for Newcastle all afternoon.
Biggest gaffe
While Ameobi's red card for dissent runs him close, Martin Skrtel has to pick up this dubious honour for his own goal. The centre-back got a good look at the cross as it came into the box, but he failed to sort his feet out in time as the ball skewed off his shin and into the corner.
Such own goals are often put down to bad luck and, while that played some part in it, Skrtel should have been able to clear the danger without much trouble. It was at an awkward height for him, but he will be disappointed with his attempt.
Referee performance
Phil Dowd had an eventful afternoon today, showing two red cards to the visitors to increase his already bulging tally for the season. We can only assume the first was warranted as Ameobi had no complaints as he walked off the field having said too much to the official.
The second, however, was debatable. Paul Dummett certainly made significant contact with Luis Suarez, sending the Uruguayan spinning into the air with a heavy and clumsy challenge. However, it looked like more of a mistimed swing for the ball than a malicious tackle on Suarez, and he could have perhaps got away with a yellow.
What next?
Liverpool: A bit of distance over the summer will help Liverpool reflect on what has been a season that surpassed all expectations. They cannot afford to stand still, however, and will look to strengthen in the transfer window to launch another title challenge next year.
Newcastle: The Magpies are in for a busy summer too, with a clearout expected at St James' Park. One man who could be on his way out is manager Alan Pardew, although his future remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Barney Corkhill
