Liverpool ended 1987 with a 4–0 win over Newcastle United at Anfield on 28 December. John Aldridge scored twice, with Steve McMahon and Ray Houghton completing a result that left Kenny Dalglish's side ten points clear of Nottingham Forest.
McMahon opened the scoring after four minutes. Glenn Roeder and Gary Gillespie collided while challenging for John Barnes's corner, and play continued as the ball reached McMahon. He moved inside and beat Gary Kelly with a low shot. Both injured players were able to continue after treatment.
Kelly's saves helped Newcastle reach half-time only one goal behind. Their position deteriorated shortly after the restart when Aldridge went down over Roeder's trailing foot and was awarded a penalty. He sent Kelly the wrong way from the spot.
Paul Gascoigne then rounded Bruce Grobbelaar and put the ball in the net, but his effort was disallowed for offside. Grobbelaar also came out to stop Mirandinha as Newcastle sought a way back.
Liverpool settled the match with two further goals. Peter Beardsley supplied Aldridge for his second before substitute Craig Johnston created Houghton's late finish.
Liverpool had won 16 and drawn five of their opening 21 league matches, collecting 53 points. Forest had 43 from one game fewer.