Liverpool advanced to the fourth round of the Carling Cup with a 2-1 victory over Crewe at Anfield.
Agger and Lucas goals secure Liverpool cup win
Liverpool advanced to the fourth round of the Carling Cup with a routine 2-1 victory over Crewe Alexandra at Anfield.
Brazilian midfielder Lucas headed the winning goal on 58 minutes, with the third-round success more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.
Daniel Agger's free-kick had fired the Reds in front on 15 minutes before Michael O'Connor drew Crewe level 10 minutes later.
However, Liverpool were always in control of the game as Rafa Benitez's fringe players provided the manager with food for thought ahead of Saturday's derby.
Debutant Philipp Degen and Jermaine Pennant linked up well down the right flank in the eighth minute to create Liverpool's first chance.
Pressure told
Breaking from a Crewe free-kick, Pennant slipped a clever ball to Degen on the overlap and he whipped a low cross into the penalty area but neither David Ngog nor Ryan Babel were able to get a touch.
Liverpool's early pressure eventually paid off on 15 minutes after Ngog was fouled on the edge of the penalty area by O'Connor.
Denmark defender Agger took the resulting free-kick and smashed a powerful low effort past goalkeeper Steve Collis.
Crewe equalised in the 25th minute after Byron Moore's shot was deflected by Agger for a corner.
Jones crossed and Calvin Zola's header was parried by debutant keeper Diego Cavalieri but O'Connor made amends for his earlier foul when he slammed home from close range.
The Railwaymen began to settle but it was Liverpool who created the next opportunity in the 41st minute.
Sami Hyypia was picked out on the penalty spot by a Pennant corner but Collis blocked his shot and Damien Plessis could only fire the loose ball into the crowd.
Babel went close moments after the interval when his shot from the left edge of the penalty area was deflected and wrong-footed Collis but looped on to the roof of the net.
Pennant impresses
Liverpool restored their lead in the 58th minute after good work down the right flank by the impressive Pennant.
The lively winger delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area and Lucas timed his run superbly to direct a header past Collis.
Benitez surprisingly introduced Fernando Torres and the Spain international was immediately involved.
Pennant delivered another ball into the penalty area in the 82nd minute and Torres' header was tipped past the post by Collis.
The Crewe goalkeeper saved again from the Spaniard two minutes later after Torres had broken clear of the Crewe defence.
Liverpool were given a few late scares as Crewe pressed for an equaliser but held on to secure their place in the next round.
