Benítez bewitched by Alonso magic

The Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benítez was full of praise for Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso after each player found the net in last night's 2-0 Premiership victory against Newcastle United FC.

'Confidence'
Netherlands forward Kuyt opened his Liverpool account after half an hour following a low cross from defender Steve Finnan. "It is always important for a new striker in a new country to score his first goal and that will give him and the team a lot of confidence," said Benítez of his recent signing from Feyenoord.

'Great vision'
The Reds were superior throughout the match but had to wait until the 79th minute to make sure of the points when Alonso drove in an extraordinary shot from inside his own half. "Xabi has got great vision and it was a great goal," Benítez said. "It didn't surprise me because he practises that in training a lot.

'Offensive football'
"It was good for me and the supporters to see the team playing well, creating chances and scoring goals. It was good to keep a clean sheet and if we keep clean sheets and continue to play good offensive football then we will win a lot of games," added Benítez, whose side moved above Newcastle into ninth place with seven points while their opponents slipped to tenth spot with six points.