A whirl of celebration abounded from end to end here. The travellers from Liverpool were joyous about their European hopes, and the faithful from Birmingham were joyous about Aston Villa's (European hopes) fading badly. More
The Observer
Liverpool stake their claim
Liverpool took a firmer grip yesterday on the Premiership's valuable fourth place. Goals from Michael Owen, Emile Heskey and Steven Gerrard reflected the Merseysiders' overwhelming superiority, brought them a comfortable win from a potentially difficult away fixture and eliminated Aston Villa, on goal difference, from the three-cornered battle for Champions League qualification.
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Sunday Telegraph
Liverpool rise to the occasion
For a considerable number of Liverpool’s players, qualification for the Champions League might be regarded as a double-edged sword. The £15 million windfall that it would bring would certainly benefit the club, but, for those whose futures are on the line, that money will enable Gérard Houllier to usher in their replacements. More
Sunday Times
Gerrard turning the Red tide
This stunning show was like the Liverpool of old. Timing their run perfectly, the Mersey club have imposed what looks like a stranglehold on the Premiership's fourth place which offers the guarantee of Champions' League football. More
Independent on Sunday