Liverpool beat Newcastle 3-0

London, May 03: Liverpool beat Newcastle United

3-0 at Anfield on Sunday to keep up their pursuit of Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table and send Newcastle deeper into relegation trouble at the bottom.

A goal off Yossi Benayoun's knee and a diving header from Dirk Kuyt put Liverpool in control in the first half and substitute Lucas headed in the third late on.

Second-placed Liverpool moved on to 77 points with three matches to play. Leaders United have 80 points and four matches remaining.

Newcastle, who had Joey Barton sent off in the second half, remain in the relegation zone with 31 points from their 35 matches. With three games to play they are three points behind Hull City, who occupy the safe 17th spot.

Sunderland, who are also battling against the drop, host Everton in a 1500 GMT kick-off.