Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch scored the goals to secure the team's top spot in Group C of the Champions League with a relatively comfortable 2-0 win over visitors PSV on Wednesday.

Gerrard's goal, his second of the season, came in the 65th minute when he ran onto a very neat pass from striker Dirk Kuyt and he was able to calmly beat the Dutch side keeper on his near post.

Crouch's goal was his ninth of the season but again the credit should go to its creator Kuyt. The Dutch forward rose well at the back post and headed the ball across goal perfectly for Crouch to finish from close range.

Speaking to the media, Liverpool's manager Rafael Benitez seemed more concerned about the injuries to his team members Xabi Alonso, Mark Gonzalez and Jermaine Pennant. "We are very pleased with the win but to lose three players with injuries is a high price."

"It made it a very hard match to manage, when you see players being taken off like that -- two in the first half -- it does limit what you can do as a manager," said Benitez.

Of some comfort to the manager is Gerrard's strong performance during the game comparing with quiet season so far for the midfielder, who played in his favored central role instead of his recent station on the right.

"I've been a bit frustrated in front of goal of late so it was nice to see one go in," said Gerrard recalling the match. "But the main thing was to get the three points and top the group.

"Of late I've been working hard in training, trying to get my form back. It's not altogether there but I can feel it coming."

PSV coach Ronald Koeman saw the international footballer as a "really world class," and said, "Gerrard...had a big role in our problems if you see how he raised the pressure on the midfield."

"This defeat has no consequences though we came here for a good result."

Editor: Donald