10 years to the day - Peter Crouch's perfect hat-trick
On this day 10 years ago, it was a sweet afternoon for Peter Crouch as his perfect hat-trick helped put Arsenal to the sword at Anfield.
It was a crucial 4-1 victory for Rafael Benitez’s Reds, who strengthened their Champions League qualification hopes by moving two points ahead of the Gunners into third spot.
The opening goal arrived after just four minutes and it was beautifully orchestrated.
Jermaine Pennant’s delightful backheel played in Alvaro Arbeloa down the right flank and his low cross was converted at the near post by Crouch.
The second came 10 minutes before the break and, this time, it was a classic header from the big man. Fabio Aurelio provided the perfect delivery with his trusty left peg from the wing and the No.15 sent a towering header beyond the reach of Jens Lehmann.
Aurelio provided another assist when Daniel Agger headed home at the near post to make it 3-0 on the hour mark.
Although William Gallas pulled one back, the final word was left to Crouch as he sealed the hat-trick in style in front of the Kop.
Collecting a pass from Pennant, the striker showed remarkable close control to turn future Reds defender Kolo Toure inside out, before knocking the ball into the net.
Click play below to relive Crouch’s hat-trick on LFCTV GO now.