NEWS:

(CNN) -- Maxi Rodriguez scored his second hat-trick in three matches to help Liverpool thrash Fulham 5-2 at Craven Cottage, a result that lifts them back up to fifth place in the English Premier League table.

Argentina international Maxi helped himself to a treble against Birmingham last month and he was in similar goalscoring form to help Kenny Dalglish's side move above Tottenham into a Europa League place.

Maxi gave Liverpool a perfect start with the opening goal in just 32 seconds, the fastest in the Premier League this season.

A defensive mix-up resulted in Maxi firing the ball home from eight yards out, and he added a second goal in the seventh minute when slotting home from an acute angle after Glen Johnson was allowed space to cross from the right.

And the match was effectively over after 15 minutes when Dirk Kuyt scored his fifth goal in as many games, after goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer somehow manged to fumble the Dutch international's shot over the line.

Fulham were given some hope 12 minutes after the break when Moussa Dembele found the corner of Pepe Reina's net, but Liverpool restored their three-goal advantage in the 70th minute when Maxi blasted home from outside the area to complete his hat-trick in style.

The advantage got even greater six minutes later when the impressive Luis Suarez ran through the home defence before rounding Schwarzer to make it five.

Fulham scored a late consolation goal courtesy of a superb Steve Sidwell drive, but it proved too little too late as Liverpool's revival under Dalglish continued.

Liverpool are now two points ahead of Tottenham, who play fourth-placed Manchester City in their game in hand on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, in Italy's Serie A, Juventus were held to a 2-2 home draw by Chievo, a result that leaves them seventh in the table and in danger of missing out on European football next season.

COMMENT:

the liverpool wons 5- 2. maxi rodriguez scores 3 gols