Liverpool cruise past Newcastle

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

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.

Relegation-threatened Newcastle, without a league win since December, have picked up only two points in seven matches since Kevin Keegan returned as manager in January and are leaking goals at an alarming rate.

"It was disappointing," Keegan told Sky Sports television. "The first goal was a killer but other than that I didn't think we showed enough courage or self belief on the ball.

"They were much better than us."

Reading, third from bottom at the start, jumped five places with a 2-0 home victory over Manchester City while second-from-bottom Fulham drew 1-1 at Blackburn Rovers.

League leaders Arsenal have the chance to forge four points clear of second-placed Manchester United when they travel to Wigan Athletic today while Everton visit Sunderland while Tottenham host West Ham United.

Liverpool, who have suddenly hit form despite the off-field battle for control of the club, had the points in the bag thanks to two goals before half-time.

Pennant enjoyed a huge slice of fortune when Jose Enrique's 43rd-minute clearance hit him and looped into the net but there was no luck in Torres's strike two minutes later when he slotted past keeper Steve Harper after being played in by Gerrard.

Liverpool were able to coast after Torres turned provider for captain Gerrard on 51 minutes.

Rafa Benitez's side now have 56 points from 29 games, three more than Everton in fifth and two fewer than third-placed Chelsea who have two games in hand.