Liverpool return to form with rout of Portsmouth

Liverpool have returned to form with a resounding 4-1 victory over bottom club Portsmouth to revive their hopes of finishing fourth in the Premier League.

Striker Fernando Torres scored twice and Italian Alberto Aquilani, starting for just the fifth time since joining for £20 million from Roma, claimed his first goal for the club.

Dutchman Ryan Babel was also on target as Liverpool climbed above Manchester City into fifth place, one point behind Tottenham Hotspur who have a game in hand. City have two games in hand.

Portsmouth, who look doomed to relegation after going into administration last month, grabbed a small consolation near the end with a well-worked goal from Nadir Belhadj.

- Reuters