For the second time this term, Newcastle took an early lead against Liverpool.
But just like back in September at Anfield, the Reds rallied yesterday evening to secure a 3-1 win against Steve Bruce's side.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Bruce was asked if Dwight Gayle's strike inside the first minute got Liverpool "angry" once again.
He said: "That's one way of putting it! We've just leaned against them twice. It gives you something to hold on to of course.
"For large parts of it, the first half in particular, we defended very well indeed considering the problems we've had defensively."
And the former Manchester United player admitted how it felt when Jurgen Klopp made a rare triple substitution just after the hour mark.
Liverpool's entire first choice front line came off the bench as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino replaced Divock Origi, Takumi Minamino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Bruce said: "I have to say, when they brought on the front three, you did realise especially in an empty stadium just what quality the three of them have got.
"But overall, we did ok in large parts. We had a hunger and a desire about us which I couldn't fault.
"But it the end we just weren't quite good enough."
Mane went on to score, assisted by Firmino, after earlier goals from Virgil van Dijk and Origi.
Liverpool's victory meant that the champions finished a remarkable campaign with a tally of 99 points.
The Reds squad will now have a two-week break before preparations for defending their crown next season begin.
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