Liverpool closed the gap on leaders Manchester United to three points with a comfortable 3-0 win over relegation-threatened Newcastle. First-half goals from Benayoun and Kuyt, plus a header from Lucas Leiva four minutes from time, keep the Reds in the title hunt with four games to spare.

Fernando Torres was left out of the squad for the Premier League clash at Anfield. The Spaniard was rested by coach Rafa Benitez after the striker felt a slight muscle strain in training on Thursday.

Following a scrappy start from both sides, the Reds took control. Steven Gerrard was denied by Steve Harper in the Newcastle goal as the keeper dived down well to his left to block the Liverpool skipper’s free-kick effort.

The pressure however finally paid off in the 21st minute. A misplaced header from Mark Viduka broke to Dirk Kuyt on the right who found Yossi Benayoun to score from close range.

Dirk Kuyt doubled Liverpool’s lead just six minutes later when the Dutchman headed a Steven Gerrard corner into the back of the net. And it was almost 3-0 just before the break as a drive from Xabi Alonso came back off the bar.

The tonic remained the same following the break as Newcastle failed to trouble Liverpool, while the home side looked dangerous going forward.

Dirk Kuyt had a header saved by Steve Harper and Gerrard shot just wide from just outside the area, before having an effort blocked by Magpies’ keeper, as a third looked on the cards.

Xabi Alonso struck the bar for a second time from as the Merseysiders looked to kill the game-off. Any hopes of a comeback from Alan Shearer’s side disappeared as Joey Barton was shown a straight red card for a lunge on Xabi Alonso.

Lucas Leiva put the icing on the cake with the Anfield club’s third of the afternoon nodding Fabio Aurelio’s free-kick past Steve Harper.

Steven Gerrard struck the woodwork from the edge of the area with almost the last kick of the game as the Reds chalked up their 22nd league victory of the campaign.


- Match Stats: Liverpool 3–0 Newcastle

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Xabi Alonso (Lucas Leiva, 80), Mascherano (Ngog, 88), Benayoun, Gerrard, Riera (Babel, 63), Kuyt

Goals: Benayoun 21, Kuyt 27, Leiva 86

Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Coloccini, Bassong, Duff, Smith, Butt, Martins (Nolan, 80), Barton, Lovenkrands (Gutierrez, 46), Viduka (Owen, 80)

Booked: Smith, Coloccini

Red card: Barton

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