Gerrard double downs Boro

The Gunners took third spot by beating Manchester City 24 hours earlier, but Gerrard struck with two goals in five minutes during the second half of Wednesday night's match at Anfield.

The England midfielder took his tally for the season to 11 goals, netting from 25 yards before converting a penalty.

Boro barely ventured out of their own half for long spells of the first half, but they were almost presented with a gift in the 40th minute when Jamie Carragher advanced forward but slipped over in the act of passing. The blunder allowed Fabio Rochemback to surge free into the Liverpool half - only to fire wide from the edge of the box.

Mohamed Sissoko then burst into Boro's half and played the ball to Jermaine Pennant - but hopelessly mishit the return ball well wide from 18 yards. It summed up the first period.

Things started to look brighter for Liverpool five minutes into the second half when Javier Mascherano saw his header crack against the crossbar following Zenden's corner. Then Sissoko, who had struggled during the first half and looked to be carrying an injury, was replaced by Dirk Kuyt in the 51st minute.

Liverpool should have scored five minutes later when Gerrard's long pass sent John Arne Riise away down the left. When the Norwegian's cross arrived in the box Kuyt's shot was blocked and the ball was laid back for Bolo Zenden to fire over from six yards.

The Reds made the breakthrough in the 58th minute when Zenden's neat pass dropped into Gerrard's path 25 yards out - and the captain crashed the ball low past Mark Schwarzer.

Davies, booked for diving a minute after Liverpool's goal, then conceded a penalty in the 64th minute when he pushed Crouch as the big striker was preparing to head a Pennant cross.

Gerrard crashed home the spot-kick and the points were safe.