Liverpool cruise past hapless Newcastle

Liverpool piled more misery on Newcastle United with a 3-0 victory at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday.

First-half goals from Jermaine Pennant and Fernando Torres, his 25th of the season, and Steven Gerrard's effort after the break strengthened Liverpool's hold on fourth place over city rivals Everton.

Relegation-threatened Newcastle, without a league win since December, have picked up just two points in the seven matches since Kevin Keegan returned as manager in January.

Reading moved up five places and out of the bottom three with a 2-0 defeat of Manchester City, while second-from-bottom Fulham drew 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers.

League leaders Arsenal have the chance to forge a four-point gap over Manchester United when they travel to Wigan Athletic on Sunday.