Liverpool remained in touch with Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table as they raced to a comfortable 3-0 win over Newcastle United on Sunday.

With United winning on Saturday, the pressure was on Liverpool to deliver the goods and the players did not disappoint as the wrested control of the game right after kick off. Steven Gerrard went close to breaking the deadlock early in the game but his long range efforts were saved in style by Steve Harper.

The hosts finally broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Dirk Kuyt snatched the ball from Alan Smith before crossing the ball to Yossi Benayoun who poked the ball into the net with his knee.

It was game over six minutes later as Kuyt doubled the lead, heading Gerrard's cross past Harper from close range. Xabi Alonso went close to scoring a third but his long range effort thudded into the cross bar before rolling clear.

Newcastle struggled to improve their game in the second half and instead it was Liverpool who looked more likely of scoring a goal. The hosts finally scored a deserved third late in the game as Lucas slotted home three minutes from the final whistle to complete a comfortable win for his side.