Maxi Rodríguez scored his second hat-trick in three games as Liverpool FC climbed one place to fifth courtesy of a 5-2 triumph against Fulham FC.

Kenny Dalglish's team were three up inside 16 minutes at Craven Cottage. Maxi's first arrived after just 32 seconds, the Argentina winger following up after Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer had prevented Carlos Salcido from scoring an own goal. Glen Johnson set up the second soon after with a deep cross to the far post which Maxi met first time on the volley.

Dirk Kuyt increased the visitors' lead before Moussa Dembélé (57) reduced Fulham's arrears with a measured shot past Pepe Reina. Maxi, however, restored the Reds' three-goal cushion with a thumping strike from 25 metres. The impressive Luis Suárez (75) slipped in number five, with Steve Sidwell's spectacular late effort nothing more than consolation for Mark Hughes' men.

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