Dejan Lovren helps Liverpool beat Newcastle with smashing half-volley

Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Dejan Lovren obliterated a half-volley to draw first blood in Liverpool's 4-0 win against Newcastle on Wednesday at Anfield in Liverpool, England.

The strike came in the 11th minute of the Premier League clash. Liverpool left back Andy Robertson lifted a cross toward the far post on the play, but the feed was headed out by Newcastle center back Jamaal Lascelles.

The blocked pass bounced back into the middle of the box, where Lovren was waiting. The Reds defender let the ball take one bounce before smashing a shot into the top of the net, easily beating Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka.

Liverpool held the 1-0 lead through halftime before Mohamed Salah netted a penalty kick in the 47th minute. Xherdan Shaqiri finished a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold for Liverpool's third score in the 79th minute.

Salah assisted a Fabinho header on a corner kick for the Reds' final tally in the 85th minute.

The Reds take on Arsenal at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at Anfield. Newcastle faces Watford at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Vicarage Road in Watford, England. The Reds have now won eight consecutive league matches.