Burnley down as Liverpool chase fourth

Two goals from captain Steven Gerrard, a first Liverpool strike for Maxi Rodriguez and a late effort from Ryan Babel condemned Burnley to a 4-0 defeat and relegation from the Barclays Premier League, while keeping alive the Merseysiders' distant hopes of finishing fourth.

With two matches to play the Clarets now cannot catch 17th-placed West Ham and return to the Coca-Cola Championship after just one season in the top flight.

Gerrard's first goal in the 51st minute was deflected off Burnley centre-back Leon Cort but his 25-yard strike seven minutes later was inch-perfect and Rodriguez and Babel wrapped things up.

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