KEY POINTS:
LONDON - Liverpool thrashed third division Luton Town 5-0 in an FA Cup third-round soccer replay at Anfield yesterday, with Steven Gerrard grabbing a hat-trick.
Tottenham Hotspur also advanced, with a 1-0 replay win at Premier League rivals Reading, Robbie Keane scoring the winner to set up a tie at Manchester United.
Manager Rafael Benitez, whose future looks uncertain after Liverpool's American owners admitted talking to Juergen Klinsmann about succeeding him at Anfield, sent out a strong team against a Luton side who held them 1-1 nine days ago.
The teams formed a guard of honour for Jamie Carragher before the start to mark the defender's 500th appearance for Liverpool.
Carragher had a quiet night after that, although the visitors held out until a minute before halftime when Dutch winger Ryan Babel shot powerfully past keeper Dean Brill.
Gerrard headed the second after the break before Sami Hyypia made it 3-0 with a deflected header. Gerrard then slotted his second before completing his treble with a swerving effort 20 minutes from time.
Liverpool will be at home to Swansea City or minor league Havant and Waterlooville in round four.
"It was difficult to score the first goal but after that it was an open game," Benitez told Sky Sports.
- REUTERS
