Kenny Dalglish had opted to use former Newcastle men Craig Bellamy and Andy Carroll in attack with Jonjo Shelvey.
But it was the home side who took the lead though Cisse on 19 minutes then again on the hour mark to seal the three points for the Magpies and leave even more questions asked about Dalglish's side.
Of even more concern to Liverpool was the straight red awarded to Pepe Reina for apparently heabutting James Perch. Jose Enrique finished the game in goal but Reina now looks likely to miss the FA Cup semi-final against Everton unless the club wins an appeal against the decision.