It was Liverpool’s 300th goal of the Premier League era, their 50th at Anfield this season and a fifth in 10 games for the in-form Israeli.

The lead was doubled six minutes later, Kuyt again capitalising on slack defence to reach Gerrard’s corner from the right head of Habib Beye and power a diving header beyond Harper. That took Kuyt on to 14 goals for the season, equalling his best-ever total since arriving at Anfield almost three years ago.

And it was merited reward for another fine performance from the Holland international, this time leading the line in the absence of Torres.

The chances kept coming. Alonso curled a shot that struck the crossbar and bounced clear off the legs of Harper and the goalkeeper made an excellent save to turn away a swerving 25-yard drive by Daniel Agger.

Liverpool took their foot off the gas in the second half but still carved Newcastle’s porous defence open almost at will. Gerrard twice fired off target from good positions while Harper saved Kuyt’s header from a Benayoun cross.

Alonso again belted the woodwork and Gerrard sent an inviting chance wide from substitute Ryan Babel’s pass before Lucas Leiva, also on from the bench, gave the scoreline a more realistic look by heading home Fabio Aurelio’s left-wing free-kick with three minutes remaining, a first Premier League goal for the Brazilian.

So the title challenge goes on, with Liverpool now looking to turn up the pressure on United with victory at West Ham United on Saturday.

Indeed, perhaps the one major disappointment of the afternoon was the realisation there may no longer be the solace of six easy points against Newcastle next season.