Having failed to win any of their first four matches of 2002, Liverpool had seen their Premier League title challenge wilt.

However, a 1-0 victory over rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, coupled with wins to nil at the expense of Leicester City and Leeds United, had seen the Reds re-enter the race by the time that they made the trip to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town 12 years ago today.

Like the Merseysiders, Ipswich were riding the crest of a wave following seven victories from their previous eight outings. Such form meant that an evenly contested encounter was anticipated.

That prediction was torn up, though, as soon as Liverpool debutant Abel Xavier broke the deadlock in the 16th minute. The Portuguese defender failed to score in over two years with neighbours Everton, but he got off the mark for his new club when his shot deflected into the net via Ipswich's Chris Makin.

The away side continued to dominate proceedings, but it took them until the 43rd minute to score the second goal of the game. Steven Gerrard released Emile Heskey and the England international showed good composure to beat Andy Marshall.

Two became three eight minutes after the restart when Danny Murphy swung a corner into the Ipswich area, which was met by a header from Sami Hyypia that left Marshall little chance.

Michael Owen had been largely quiet up until that point, but the striker made an impact with two goals in the space of nine minutes.

His first arrived with 62 minutes on the clock when he finished off a passing move from close range that involved Gerrard and John Arne Riise, before he left John McGreal trailing in his wake to double his tally.

Further opportunities were then spurned, but there was still time for Liverpool to add a sixth in the 90th minute when Heskey completed his brace by firing in from the edge of the box.

Speaking after the match, Liverpool assistant manager Phil Thompson said: "The players gave a great display and their workrate was the most vital part. You can see the confidence flooding through the team."

Meanwhile, defeated manager George Burley added: "We were fortunate to get away with 6-0 as they created so many chances. We were overawed in the second half."

IPSWICH: Marshall; Makin, McGreal, Hreidarsson, Venus; Holland, Clapham, Wright (Stewart), Peralta; Armstrong (Magilton), M Bent

LIVERPOOL: Dudek (Arphexad); Wright, Henchoz, Hyypia, Xavier; Murphy, Hamann, Gerrard (McAllister), Riise (Anelka); Heskey, Owen