Kuyt put Wigan to the sword with goals either side of half time, his 11th and 12th in the Premiership. And Wigan had no answer, despite playing most of the second half with three strikers on the pitch.

The Reds can now look forward to their forthcoming Semi Final against Chelsea knowing that league business is taken care of, while defeat for Wigan leaves Paul Jewell's men still in the thick of a fight for Premiership survival.

The game started slowly and only came to life in the 11th minute when Gonzalez mis-controlled Pennant's cross field pass, setting up a chance for Riise, that he drilled the wide from 25 yards.

Liverpool upped the tempo from that moment and they quickly forced two corners before Riise had another effort at goal, which was this time blocked. Pennant swapped flank with Gonzalez as the Reds went looking for the opener and it worked a treat in the 30th minute when Pennant cross from the left lead to Liverpool taking the lead through Dirk Kuyt.

Rafa's side had been enjoying most of the possession, but they were finding it tough to break down a deep Wigan defence. But that all changed when Pennant crossed to the centre of the goal and Kuyt won his tussle with De Zeeuw to be first to the ball before heading into the Kop net.

It was a goal that Liverpool's more ambitious approach had deserved and they might have gone in 2-0 up when another Pennant cross, this time to Crouch, ended with the Reds striker shooting just wide of John Filan's goal.

Wigan made a change at half time, replacing defender Taylor with striker Camara, that suggested they weren't about to lie down. But it was Liverpool who continued to carry the greater threat after the break and it took a fine save from Filan to deny Kuyt a second in the 50th minute.

The Reds were comfortable and as the clock ticked down it was struggling Wigan who had to show the greater. And they almost got themselves on terms when a rare 60th minute attack saw Baines' dangerous cross miss Camara before Hyypia was able to clear from Heskey.

Liverpool's response was swift. Perhaps stung by Wigan's threat, they launched forward again and doubled their lead through Dirk Kuyt's second goal of the game. It came in the 68th minute when an excellent run from Bellamy caused confusion in the Wigan defence; and Kuyt was first to react when he turned and smashed the ball low into the right corner of the net.

To their credit, Wigan didn't give up and it took a brilliant save from Reina to deny Folan's header. But Liverpool still looked like they would add to their tally and Gerrard shot just wide before Gonzalez brought a fine save out of Filan.

The Reds can now head for Stamford Bridge in the knowledge that Champions League qualification is secure and focus their thoughts on entering next year's competition as the holders.