Gerrard treble downs Luton

Steven Gerrard bagged a hattrick against League One side Luton in the FA Cup Third Round tonight as Liverpool ran riot and won 5-0. Goals from Ryan Babel and Sami Hyypia sealed the victory.

Luton had out-played and out-fought Liverpool for long periods when they drew 1-1 at Kenilworth Road.

But the first half wasn't a high-tempo affair that everyone seemed to expect.

The breakthrough arrived in first half stoppage time when Fernando Torres fed Babel and the Dutch winger's low shot arrowed home.

Gerrard scored from close range in the 52nd minute before Hyypia glanced in a header five minutes later.

A 64th minute strike from Gerrard made it four and the England midfielder completed his first hat-trick for over two years in the 72nd minute.

Benitez refused to be drawn on his future, saying: "I wasn't thinking much about it. We were really thinking about this game because we knew it was important to progress in the FA Cup.

"I'm really pleased because we won 5-0 and played a good game," added the implacable Spaniard.