Second-half strikes from Liverpool's terrible twosome of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres took the Anfield men five points clear of local rivals Everton in fourth spot.

Gerrard scored his 21st goal of the season after a fine passing move on the hour, and the Liverpool skipper then created Torres' 30th of the season with eight minutes left.

The pair have now passed 50 between them for the season, with substitute Andriy Voronin adding the third before Roque Santa Cruz netted for Rovers, both in the final seconds.

Roberts appealed for a penalty after 71 minutes following a clash with Martin Skrtel - TV replays suggesting he was more sinner than sinned against.

But when the same pair clashed again a minute later, Skrtel was only booked, much to the disgust of Roberts, whose annoyance could be heard all around the ground.

Rovers, who sent on Benni McCarthy for Pedersen a minute later, were far from out of it and David Bentley sent a 25-yard free-kick just wide.

But Torres ended the dispute after 82 minutes, seconds after Samba looked to have bundled the Spaniard over just outside the box, but again referee Wiley was not impressed.

Liverpool's reaction was emphatic. Lucas won possession and fed Gerrard on the right. And when the cross curled into the box, Torres was there to head wide of Friedel.

Gerrard was denied another penalty by the official as he fell under a Samba challenge, before Torres was spared any further involvement, allowing Andriy Voronin a late run-out.

And in the final minute the Ukrainian slid home the third from substitute John Arne Riise's low cross.

In injury-time Santa Cruz fired home a terrific effort after a poor header from Skrtel.