A hat-trick from Steven Gerrard secured a 3-0 victory for Liverpool over Everton this evening.

It was the home side who gained control of the match in the early stages and they so nearly took the lead after seven minutes when Steven Gerrard advanced on goal, but Tim Howard was on hand to push the ball to safety.

Everton were next to go close after ten minutes, but Steven Pienaar fired over from close range when he might have done better.

Liverpool again came close via Luis Suarez after 12 minutes, but Howard was once again on hand to push the ball to safety.

Both sides continued to look dangerous in the first 30 minutes of the match, but it was the defence coming out on top.

Liverpool took the lead after 35 minutes when Gerrard pounced on a loose ball to turn the ball over Howard and into the back of the net.

Martin Kelly so nearly added a second for Liverpool after 37 minutes, but he flashed his effort just past the post.

Liverpool moved 2-0 ahead after 50 minutes when Suarez fed Gerrard in the area, and the Liverpool skipper made no mistake from close range.

The home side continued to create chances in the latter stages of the match but it was Everton who so nearly cut the score to 2-1 on the hour mark through Jack Rodwell, but his effort was blocked from close range.

Everton made changes as the match progressed, but Liverpool remained comfortable with Andy Carroll testing Howard after 72 minutes.

Liverpool continued to control proceedings in the final moments, and added a third through Gerrard after good work from Suarez to secure a vital win in their quest for European football.