Liverpool have raced into a 3-0 lead at the halfway stage of their Premier League clash with Wigan Athletic this afternoon.

The hosts almost made a perfect start to the match when Arouna Kone had a chance to shoot in the first minute, but his cushioned volley was easy for Pepe Reina to collect.

They were punished for this just a minute later as Phillipe Countinho's cross was met by Stewart Downing, who nodded in from six yards out to give Liverpool an early lead.

Coutinho was involved again for Liverpool's second goal, threading a pass through to Luis Suarez, who nestled his finish into the bottom corner.

Reina then showed impressive reactions to retain his side's two-goal lead, saving from Kone after the ball was bobbling about the penalty area.

It became 3-0 in the 32nd minute as Suarez fired in a free kick that deflected off Shaun Maloney on its way past Ali Al-Habsi.

Reina was called into action again soon after as Franco Di Santo peeled away at the back post to get a header in on goal, but the Spanish keeper tipped his effort over the crossbar.

Just two minutes later Suarez almost claimed his hat-trick when he volleyed towards goal from inside the area, only for Al-Habsi to beat his effort away.