England round-up: Liverpool see off strugglers

Liverpool FC's revived bid for a UEFA Champions League return was given a boost with a 3-0 win at struggling West Ham United FC.

Riise corners
West Ham gained their first English Premiership home win of the season in midweek, but their chances of a second seemed slim after falling 2-0 down in the first nine minutes, both goals resulting from John Arne Riise corners. The first was headed in by Milan Baroš, picked ahead of Michael Owen, and the second was punched out by West Ham goalkeeper David James, only for Steven Gerrard to shoot in from 20 metres.

Victory complete
The victory was made complete when Emile Heskey headed in after Sami Hyypiä flicked-on another Riise corner, to leave West Ham second bottom, with Liverpool in sixth, three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea FC, but 14 off leaders Arsenal FC.

Late game
Aston Villa FC moved further away from relegation danger with a 3-0 home win against Blackburn Rovers FC. Villa were ahead on two minutes through Dion Dublin, who added a second just before half-time. Gareth Barry made it three with nine minutes left, as Villa claimed eleventh place from Blackburn, who had five players booked.