Liverpool took an early lead against the Dutch visitors as Kuyt put the Reds ahead after only four minutes. PSV keeper Andreas Isaksson pulled-off an excellent save to block Fernando Torres’ volley from a Gerrard cross, but there was Dirk Kuyt on hand to crash home the rebound.

The early goal scuppered any plans that PSV had of defending deep. The Dutch outfit had to come out looking for an equaliser, leaving the Reds spaces at the back. Liverpool however were kept at bay for thirty minutes, until Keane hit the Merseysiders’ second of the night following a great move from the home side.

Fernando Torres, who was unlucky not to score with his volleyed effort and a later header, continued in his role as provider. The Spaniard played an inch perfect pass to team-mate Robbie Keane as the Reds made it 2-0 on 34 minutes. Torres combined well with Kuyt on the right before crossing for Keane to shoot past Isaksson.

The Spanish striker had linked up well with Keane and Kuyt throughout the opening stages, and the second goal was a testament to their growing understanding.

Torres came close to grabbing Liverpool’s third soon after the break. The striker anticipated Jan Kromkamp’s weak backpass, but the forward’s flicked effort rolled agonisingly past the wrong side of the post.

With just over 15 minutes remaining, Steven Gerrard sealed Liverpool’s win with his 100th goal for his club. The skipper cracked a brilliantly executed free-kick past Isaksson in the PSV goal. The Swede was left with no chance and could only watch, as the ball flew past him and into the bacl of the net.

Danny Koevermans grabbed a late a consolation for PSV Eindhoven as the second-half substitute stabbed the ball past Reina. The win though was never in doubt, as Liverpool held on for all three points, to move joint-top with Atletico Madrid, who beat Olympique Marseille 2-1 at the Vicente Calderon.


Match Stats: Liverpool 3-1 PSV Eindhoven

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Aurelio, Kuyt, Gerrard (Babel, 81), Alonso, Riera (Benayoun, 69), Torres, Keane (Leiva, 75).

Goals: Kuyt 5, Keane 34, Gerrard 76.

PSV: Isaksson, Kromkamp, Simons, Marcellis, Salcido, Brechet (Pieters, 46), Mendez (Dzsudzsak, 76), Culina, Bakkal, Amrabat, Wuytens (Koevermans, 60).

Booked: Marcellis.

Goals: Koevermans 78.