So it is Liverpool who will end 2014 on a high. They have struggled this season but, if they can repeat that display more often, a top-four finish may still not be out of the question.

Anyway that is all from us. Join us again on New Year's Day for a full Premier League schedule.

Thanks for your company. Cheerio.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers

"It was a great performance against a very good side. I felt for the big part of the game we dominated. We gave away a poor goal and it goes to 2-1 and they almost score again straight after so that is a frustration. But apart from that spell the work-rate was outstanding and we were really exciting going forward.

"For me it was about getting back to performing well and getting ideas that will help the players play how we want to play. Tonight we were convincing. We have to keep that intensity and work-rate.

"Every team at this level is a difficult game. We know the work we need to put in but the players are starting to work together. We are a young side looking to settle in and play a type of football we find creative and exciting."

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge on Twitter:, external Just finished watching the game. I can't wait to be back playing in that team and scoring goals!! Top class performance from them.

Image source, Getty Images

Swansea boss Garry Monk: "I think we played OK. We had the most possession, we created chances, but the mistakes we made cost us the game. You get punished at this level. We performed OK but those mistakes cost us.

"Lukasz Fabiasnki has been fantastic this season but every player makes a mistake. You lose as a collective.

"I haven't seen the situation with Jonjo Shelvey so I can't comment."

Talk about all over the place. Adam Lallana may have been playing centrally but that didn't stop him from roaming both sides of the field in an impressive individual display, as shown in his touch map above. His best display for Liverpool perhaps?

Kevin Kilbane at Anfield
BBC Radio 5 live

"One thing you get from Sterling, when Liverpool win the ball back he looks to run off the back of defenders. Where as Balotelli comes towards the ball and it limits the space."

Ada:, external If Liverpool finish as strong as last season we will land Champions League again. 15 wins from last 18 games last season.

Alicia:, external Now THIS is progress! Shades of season 2013/14, brought a tear to my eye! Lallana, Coutinho and Henderson on fire! WE GO AGAIN!

John Roberts:, external Hoping Rodgers will get some credit for that - under pressure, with injuries, but seems to have found a formation that works.

Ian Dennis
BBC Radio 5 live

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has tonight been given permission to talk to Crystal Palace after compensation has been agreed.

Image source, Getty Images

It's all over at Craven Cottage as managerless Brighton win 2-0 at Fulham. The victory moves them out of the relegation zone.

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana on Sky Sports: "I thought the lads were brilliant. I have always said it wasn't going to be easy making the move from Southampton but the lads have been great. I have been playing more central and have been really enjoying it. It was great to get the goals and more important was the performance.

"We haven't put in many good performances this season and hopefully we have turned the corner. The pressure is always different coming to a team like this. Possibly how well Liverpool did, the expectation came as a bit of a shock to a lot of the new signings. But we are bedding in with time. There is more gelling coming as a team. Our target is top four."

A dominant second-half display from a fluent Liverpool. They had 21 shots on goal, 11 of which were on target, and could have been celebrating an even more impressive victory. Swansea had 11 shots themselves but defensively they were pretty awful.

That win moves Liverpool into eighth in the Premier League as they jump above Swansea on goals scored. An encouraging end to 2014 for the Reds.

Kevin Kilbane at Anfield
BBC Radio 5 live

"Lallana was outstanding tonight along with Coutinho, Sterling has been a bit subdued but that front three looks formidable. Behind them, the midfield was strong, and all this without Steven Gerrard."

It looks like Championship strugglers Brighton are set for a priceless win as Solly March makes it 2-0 at Fulham. Into injury time.

Image source, Getty Images

One defeat in 10 matches now in all competitions for Liverpool as they make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League. Impressive stuff.

Inches away from a consolation by Bafetimbi Gomis as his shot just flies past the far post.

Kevin Kilbane at Anfield
BBC Radio 5 live

"From what Rodgers has said they'll play this way for the foreseeable future. All I would say, at the start of the half, they looked a bit shaky. Can they do this against the big sides? They did well against Arsenal but can they compete with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United? Today it's been really good from Liverpool, especially without the ball. They're back to where they were at last season, closing teams down in packs."

Three minutes of added on time signalled.

Mario Balotelli close to his first Premier League goal for Liverpool but, after a neat one-two with Philippe Coutinho, his low shot is kept out by Lukasz Fabianski.

At the other end Wayne Routledge shoots over the bar from outside the penalty area.