Liverpool go top as West Brom dream

By Mike Collett

LONDON (Reuters) - Steven Gerrard scored twice as Liverpool beat West Ham United 3-0 at Upton Park Saturday to move back on top of the Premier League and keep the pressure on Manchester United in the title race.

Gerrard scored in the second minute and made it 2-0 after 38 minutes with Ryan Babel adding the third seven minutes from time.

Liverpool, who have now won nine of their last 10 league matches and drawn the other, moved on to 80 points and above United on goal difference.

However, Liverpool only have two league matches remaining while champions United have four, beginning with their derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford Sunday.

Third-placed Chelsea face fourth-placed Arsenal Sunday at the Emirates Stadium and a win for United and defeat for Chelsea will mean Liverpool will be the only team still in with a mathematical chance at least, of stopping United winning a third successive title and equalling Liverpool's all-time record of 18 championships.

Gerrard struck the opener when he beat the Hammers offside trap and rounded goalkeeper Robert Green to score. He took his goal tally to 23 -- his personal best for one season -- after 38 minutes when he followed up to force the ball home after Green saved his penalty. It was Liverpool's 100th goal in all competitions this season.

The 101st came late on when Babel tapped in the rebound after Green had saved the Dutchman's header.

With none of the other top four teams playing much of the focus centred on the bottom of the table, and West Bromwich Albion, who pulled off a famous escape from relegation in 2005, could be on their way to surviving in the Premier League again after beating Wigan Athletic 3-1 at The Hawthorns.