Liverpool 2 PSV 0: Steven Gerrard led the way as Liverpool clinched top spot in Champions League group C. Restored to his preferred central midfield role, Gerrard scored the opener as Liverpool guaranteed top place.

It means the match in Istanbul against Galatasaray will not affect their current standing at the head of the group.

Liverpool's European campaign has been in sharp contrast to their domestic league combat, unbeaten after five matches and heading into the last 16 hoping for decent draw which will have them dreaming of the quarter-finals.

Gerrard broke the deadlock when he swept onto a Dirk Kuyt pass, and it was Kuyt who produced the header for Peter Crouch to nod home the second goal in the dying minutes.

PSV saw a 15-match unbeaten run come to an end, and will now have to wait to see which of the group winners they will be paired with in the next stage.

Liverpool's first half was one of frustration and injuries. They ended that period having seen plenty of possession and chances but without the cutting edge to go with it. Worst, though, were the losses of Xabi Alonso and Mark Gonzalez.

And the hosts were still on top when they finally took the lead in the 65th minutes.

Jose Reina's ball out to Steve Finnan saw an instant pass forward from the Irish defender into Kuyt's feet. The Dutchman managed to wriggle into a yard of space before slipping the ball to Gerrard, who took a couple of strides before netting his second goal of the season - both have come in the Champions League.

This should have been the signal for Liverpool to impose themselves on the game, but PSV fought back, getting more men forward than at any time in the match.

But their hopes ended in the 89th minute when Crouch headed home easily from close range, after Luis Garcia's cross from the left had been headed back across goal by Kuyt.