Rodriguez's Hat Trick Leads Liverpool in 5-2 Rout of Fulham

Maxi Rodriguez scored another hat trick Monday Night as he helped Liverpool trounce Fulham 5-2 at Craven Cottage.

The match had barely begun when the first goal was scored after a loose Aaron Hughes pass was intercepted by Dirk Kuyt before passing to Luis Suarez down the left. His cross was nearly knocked into the goal by defender Carlos Salcido when keeper Schwarzer made an instinctive save, only to watch as Maxi picked up the rebound to fire in the opener.

Liverpool went two in front less than five minutes later when Maxi met a Johnson cross from the right, blasting in a perfect shot from a tight angle at the back post.

The game was turning into a rout, as after only 15 minutes, Fulham found themselves three down when a weak Kuyt shot from the corner of the penalty area was fumbled by Schwarzer into his own net.

The game at this point was over as a competition. If Liverpool continue this sort of form, they will be challenging at the very top of the division next season.

Bobby Zamora entered the fray for the home side and made a difference to the team, as they soon started to play some football in the second 45.

Zamora made an almost immediate impact on the game, as he helped set up Fulhams first goal for Dembele by curling his shot past Reina in the Liverpool goal.

This was a glimmer of hope for the Cottagers, but it lasted only four minutes as Maxi completed his hat trick with a spectacular strike from 25 yards out that gave the keeper no chance of saving.

Suraez was next on the score sheet. After receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Shelvey, he coolly passed the ball into the net for the Reds' fifth of the night.

Sidwell did pull another goal back with five minutes remaining, but it was too little too late for the home side.

The result further endorses the case for Kenny Dalglish to remain as boss with Liverpool, but it needs to be on a permanent basis. The sooner the better as far as the Liverpool fans are concerned.

LRodriguez Hat trick Helps Liverpool Hammer Fulham (match highlights)