Liverpool's title hopes increased a significant amount following Manchester City's shock 2-1 defeat to Newcastle at St. James' Park.Goals from Salomon Rondon and Matt Ritchie sealed a vital win for Rafa Benitez's side, which sees the Magpies move up to 14th.City managed 76% possession and 12 shots to Newcastle's six but lacked conviction in the final third.Pep Guardiola's side couldn't have got off to a better start when Sergio Aguero fired City ahead after just 24 seconds, however this is a good as it got for the Citizens.Liverpool can now extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points with a victory over Leicester on Wednesday, edging themselves closer to their first Premier League title in history and first league title of any description since 1990.There is one obvious link between the two clubs of Newcastle and Liverpool and that is the Magpies' current boss Benitez, who also managed Liverpool between 2004 and 2010.The Spaniard is well liked in both camps due to his Champions League success with Liverpool back in 2005 as well as leading Newcastle to Championship promotion in 2017.Newcastle fans' not only have one major thing in common with Liverpool's but have also made clear who they would rather lift the Premier League title this year in what looks like a two-horse race.

Manchester City have often been accused of 'buying' the Premier League title and being a club that fans have only started supporting in the last five years.

This notion should be taken with a pinch of salt, but appears to be an opinion that has formed a common ground between the fans of both Newcastle and Liverpool.

The idea of a "real" football club winning the Premier League seems to be seen as acceptable by the Newcastle faithful, and Liverpool fans' were quick to voice their appreciation.

Following these friendly comments, it seems that the usual angst that is caused by a manager moving from club to another has in fact united them.