Xabi Alonso is a man synonymous with stunning strikes but this audacious 60-yard effort to beat stumbling Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper is an iconic moment of his Anfield career.

The midfielder tracked and tackled Charles N'Zogbia to win back possession deep within his own half before moving forward into the centre circle and spotting Harper off his line.

A powerful swing of the Spaniard's right boot launched the ball goalwards and, by the time the goalkeeper realised what was happening, he slipped in panic and the ball dropped beyond his outstretched arm and nestled in the back of the net.

"I was waiting for Alonso to pass and I would have spoken to him about it," said Reds boss Rafael Benitez following the 2-0 Premier League win. "But after he scored I said to him 'good, fantastic goal'."