Three first-half goals from Liverpool ensured that they picked up a vital victory against struggling Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.
The first chance of the match arrived after three minutes when Luis Suarez struck an effort from distance, but Julio Cesar was on hand to palm the ball to safety.
The home side had a shout for handball moments later when Steven Gerrard appeared to handle in the box, but the referee waved play on.
Liverpool were ahead after 10 minutes, however, when Suarez evaded the challenge of Clint Hill before sliding his effort past the onrushing Cesar.
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It got worse for the home side moments later when Suarez pounced in the box once more to fire past Cesar following a challenge from Nedum Onuoha.
Adel Taarabt had a chance to cut the deficit for the home side after 20 minutes, but his free kick struck the wall before Stephane Mbia volleyed over the crossbar.
Liverpool came close to a third just before the 30-minute mark when Glen Johnson ghosted into the penalty area, but his cross towards Suarez was cleared at the vital moment.
It was three for the Reds moments later, however, when Daniel Agger met a corner before thumping his header into the back of the net.
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The away side came close to making it four when Gerrard struck a powerful effort towards goal five minutes before the break, but Mbia just cleared the danger at the vital moment.
Liverpool continued to threaten in the early stages of the second period with Suarez evading the challenge of Ryan Nelsen before firing towards goal, but Cesar pushed the ball over the crossbar.
The pressure remained as Suarez whipped a dangerous cross into the penalty area after 54 minutes, but Gerrard just could not make proper contact and Onuoha was on hand to clear the danger before Jordan Henderson fired over moments later.
The noise was lifted inside the stadium when the home side were awarded a corner on the hour mark, but the delivery from Taarabt was poor and only a diving challenge from Onuoha denied Suarez down the other end.
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Taarabt continued to look the most likely for the R's as he struck an effort from distance moments later, but Jose Reina was more than equal to the danger as both teams struggled to create chances.
Mbia had a half-chance after 68 minutes when he curled an effort from the edge of the box, but it was always moving past Reina's post.
The away side came close to a fourth in the latter stages when Raheem Sterling found Gerrard on the break, but the final pass from the skipper was just too short and the danger was cleared.
The result has moved Liverpool into ninth position in the table, while QPR remain rooted to the bottom, some eight points from safety.
Matt Law
