A Yossi Benayoun hat-trick and one from Dirk Kuyt ensured a comfortable victory for Liverpool over Burnley in the sunshine at Anfield this afternoon.
Javier Mascherano missed the game after picking up a knock whilst on international duty with Argentina, and Ryan Babel was left out of the squad following his comments about wanting a January move to Ajax last week.
After a nervous opening 25 minutes, the Burnley defence was undone when some good passing let in Benayoun who slotted it confidently past Jensen in the Burnley goal.
Kuyt got the Reds’ second goal just before half time when Benayoun’s wicked shot from the edge of the area was only parried by Jenson and Kuyt was there like an old-fashioned striker to tap home and double Liverpool’s advantage.
The Reds’ play was better in the second half, looking impressive going forward and striding towards more goals.
The third came at the hour mark, courtesy of Benayoun again who rolled the ball into an empty net after great skill from Gerrard had allowed the skipper to work his way into the penalty area and square it to the waiting Benayoun.
Benayoun’s hat-trick was complete nine minutes from time good passing between Riera, Gerrard and Voronin found him with plenty of room in front of goal and he slotted home to complete his hat-trick.
A fantastic result, Liverpool’s third victory of the season to move them up to nine points, was watched by Michael Shields in the directors box.
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Team Line-ups
Liverpool: Reina, Insua, Carragher, Skrtel, Johnson, Riera, Lucas, Benayoun, Kuyt, Gerrard, Torres. Subs: Cavalieri, Degen, Dossena, Spearing, Ngog, Voronin, Kyrgiakos.
Burnley: Jensen, Mears, Bikey, Carlisle, Jordan, Alexander, Elliott, Fletcher, McCann, Blake, Paterson. Subs: Penny, McDonald, Gudjonsson, Nugent, Thompson, Guerrero, Eagles.
