Liverpool sealed their fifth successive victory in league and cup with an emphatic 3-0 win over Newcastle at Anfield. Torres not only picked up his 25th goal of the season, but also turned provider, setting up Pennant and Gerrard for both of their goals.

Rafa Benitez’ side were without the injured Javier Mascherano, while Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel were on the bench. Israeli international Yossi Benayoun, Jermaine Pennant and Lucas Leiva came into the side as Liverpool looked to inflict upon Newcastle their fourth league defeat in four.

The Reds dominated possession from the off, but it was Newcastle who had the first real attempt on goal. Abdoulaye Faye flicked on a left-wing corner, but his effort was punched clear by an unsighted Pepe Reina.

Liverpool had their first chance a minute later. Fernando Torres broke well before unleashing a right-footed shot from a tight angle which was beaten away by Newcastle shot-stopper Steve Harper. The Spanish striker was whiskers away from scoring his 25th goal of the season, his 19th in the league.

It was one-way traffic from then as the Anfield club pushed forward as Newcastle got men behind the ball. The game was being played entirely the Magpie’s half, with only Pepe Reina, who watched on as a spectator, deep in the Liverpool half.

The home side finally got the breakthrough they deserved just before the break. Torres controlled well on the edge of the area before playing a slide-rule bass into the box looking for Jermaine Pennant’s run. Newcastle defender Jose Enrique beat the Liverpool winger to the ball, but his clearance struck Jermaine Pennant, looping over goalkeeper Steve Harper and into the goal.

The Reds doubled their lead two minutes later with Fernando Torres’ 25th strike of the season. The Spaniard ran onto a pass from Steve Gerrard and dummied Steve Harper before calmly converting into an empty net. A class finish from the Liverpool number 9.

The Merseysiders made the game safe five minutes after the restart. Again it was the Fernando Torres - Steve Gerrard connection. The Spaniard slipped the ball through for the Liverpool captain who lifted the ball over the onrushing Steve Harper.

Martins had a rare shot on goal for Newcastle, but the French striker’s effort was easily saved by Reina in the Liverpool goal. Again it was Martins who came close to grabbing a goal back for the away side, but his great strike from 40 yards out struck the bar with Reina well beaten.

With just under twenty minutes remaining on the clock, Rafa Benitez brought on Crouch to replace Torres. The Spaniard walked off to a standing ovation, as did Gerrard, who was substituted five minutes prior to Fernando.

Liverpool almost grabbed a fourth near the end as first Kuyt and then Riise tested Harper in the Newcastle goal. The Magpie keeper saved well from both as the scoreline remained without change until the final whistle.

The comfortable victory against Kevin Keegan’s men maintains Fernando Torres’ side in fourth spot in the Premier League and sets them in the right frame of mind ahead of the return leg of the Champions League in Milan on Tuesday.


Match Stats: Liverpool 3–0 Newcastle

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Riise, Alonso, Lucas, Pennant (Hyypia 78), Gerrard (Kuyt 65), Benayoun, Torres (Crouch 71)

Bookings: Riise

Goals: Pennant 43, Torres 45, Gerrard 50

Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Faye, Taylor, Jose Enrique, Milner (Geremi 44), Butt, N'Zogbia, Duff (Martins 58), Owen, Smith