Alonso and Kuyt light up Anfield

Xabi Alonso scored a stunning goal from his own half to send Liverpool back into the top half of the Premiership.

The Spaniard lobbed Shay Given's replacement  Steve Harper from 65 yards in the second half to secure a deserved win at Anfield.

Alonso's brilliant effort - the second time he has scored from his own half in his Liverpool career - doubled the lead given by Dirk Kuyt's first goal for the club on 29 minutes.

The win eased Liverpool's anxiety after back-to-back league defeats to Everton and Chelsea and ended a scoreless run of three games.

Much of the pre-match debate centred around Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez's failure to pick a consistent side and the role of captain Steven Gerrard.

To no great surprise, Benitez chose to change his starting line-up for 92nd consecutive game, with Luis Garcia and Fabio Aurelio coming in.

The inclusion of Garcia in place of Jermaine Pennant allowed Gerrard to switch from the unfamiliar left midfield slot he filled against Chelsea on Sunday to the right.

Liverpool were dominating the early possession and Craig Bellamy had an opportunity against the club he left in acrimonious circumstances last year when Garcia played him through in the 13th minute. Harper was sharp and denied him from a tight angle.

Newcastle were on the back foot and the hosts got the break they deserved in the 29th minute when Xabi Alonso played in Steve Finnan and the full-back crossed for Kuyt.

The strong-running Dutchman, without a goal since his move from Feyenoord last month, timed his run well and slid in to beat Harper from close range.

Liverpool created chance after chance in the second half and were again unlucky when Gerrard chipped in fine ball for Garcia but the Spaniard shot against the post.

A second goal was no more than Reds' play warranted and it came in remarkable fashion as Alonso struck from his own half of the field for the second time in his Liverpool career.

Alonso tried his luck from 65 yards out and Newcastle watched in horror as Harper stumbled and the ball drifted over his head into the unguarded net.

It was the Spaniard's first goal since scoring from his own half against Luton in January.

Liverpool:  Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio,Luis Garcia, Alonso, Sissoko, Gerrard (Gonzalez 85), Bellamy,Kuyt (Crouch 82). Subs Not Used: Dudek, Hyypia, Warnock. Booked: Luis Garcia.

Newcastle: Harper, Carr, Ramage, Moore, Babayaro,Milner (N'Zogbia 68), Parker, Emre, Duff, Martins (Rossi 76),Ameobi (Sibierski 82). Subs Not Used: Krul, Butt. Booked: Moore.

PA