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Second-half goal fest helps Liverpool ease past Rovers

13/04/2008

Liverpool have moved clear of Everton in the race for the final Champions League place following their 3-1 win over Blackburn Rovers at Anfield.

The Reds put their off-field troubles aside to cruise past Mark Hughes' team, although it was only in the second half that they scored the goals that their dominance had deserved.

It was also another record-breaking day for striker Fernando Torres who, in notching his 30th goal of the season, became the first Liverpool player to score in seven consecutive top-flight matches.

Steven Gerrard was once again the chief architect of Liverpool's success. The midfielder broke the deadlock on the hour-mark, playing a one-two with Lucas before slotting the ball past Brad Friedel.

Liverpool had dominated the first half and were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty on two occasions.

Gerrard was involved in both incidents, first he went down after beating Friedel to the ball, and later in the half he was knocked down by a heavy challenge from Christopher Samba.

On both occasions the referee waved away the home side's protests and Rovers were able to reach half time level.

But the Reds continued to put pressure on the Blackburn goal and twenty minutes after the first goal Liverpool doubled their advantage when Gerrard crossed for the imperious Torres to nod home.

With time running out substitute Andriy Voronin stole in ahead of his marker to make it 3-0 only for Rovers to go up the other end and score a consolation effort.

Roque Santa Cruz got some reward having worked tirelessly up front by himself, with few opportunities coming his way, when he volley past Pepe Reina.

Liverpool are now five points ahead of Everton with four games remaining this season.