Kuyt the hero as Liverpool stroll to win

FT Liverpool 2 Wigan 0

Dirk Kuyt scored a goal in each half as Liverpool strolled to victory and sent Wigan closer to the relegation zone.

The Dutchman took his total to 13 for the season as manager Rafael Benitez’s rotated his squad to keep his squad fresh for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final.

Kuyt’s first was a header from Jermaine Pennant’s cross, and his second was a clever finish from 12 yards after fine build-up work by substitute Craig Bellamy.

Wigan sent on Julius Aghahowa for Denny Landzaat, and then Gerrard took over from Zenden.

Scharner was booked for tripping Riise, before Daniel Agger came on for Carragher after 73 minutes.

Bellamy’s pace saw Arjan de Zeeuw booked for a clumsy tackle on the touchline.

Wigan’s first serious chance came after 79 minutes when Folan saw a fierce header brilliantly saved by Jose Reina following Josip Skoko’s free-kick.

But gaps were appearing everywhere by now and Filan had to save well from Kuyt, twice, and Gonzalez, while Gerrard and Alonso fired wide.