By DPA
London : Fernando Torres hit his second hat-trick in consecutive home games as Liverpool beat West Ham United 4-0 to climb to fourth in the Premier League football.
The Spanish striker got the first treble Wednesday since his summer move from Atletico Madrid in the 3-2 Premier League victory over Middlesbrough a week gone Saturday, and vowed then he hoped it would be the first of many.
He soon proved as good as his word with another devastating display to see off the Hammers and effectively end their distant hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Cup.
Torres converted an eight-minute Dirk Kuyt cross to put Liverpool ahead after eight minutes, and it was from another Kuyt delivery that he headed his second on the hour.
He completed his hat-trick form John Arne Riise’s through-ball with nine minutes remaining.
Steven Gerrard surged from midfield two minutes later to inflict on West Ham United their second 4-0 defeat in successive games.
Liverpool moved ahead of Everton on goal difference, five points behind third-placed Chelsea.