Treble-winners Liverpool rounded off a magnificent week by clinching the last Champions League place today with
an emphatic 4-0 win at Charlton on the final day of the English Premiership season.
The FA Cup and League Cup winners, who completed their cup treble on Wednesday when they beat Spanish club Alaves 5-4 in the UEFA Cupfinal, booked their place among Europe's elite clubs next season thanks to a superb second-half display.
After a goalless first 45 minutes in which Charlton's Matthias Svensson struck the post and Dutch goalkeeper Sander Westerveld made a string ofexcellent saves, the visitors turned on the style during the second period to secure their all-important victory.
Robbie Fowler opened the scoring with an exquisite overhead kick before substitute Danny Murphy drilled home the second.
Fowler grabbed his second with a neat finish after good work by England colleague Michael Owen.
Michael Owen rounded off a comfortable victory for Gerard Houllier's men with a delicate chip.
Liverpool's victory denied Leeds and Ipswich who will both qualify for the less lucrative UEFA Cup.
Leeds beat Leicester 2-1 at Elland Road while Ipswich were held 1-1 at Derby.
Chelsea ended their season on a high note after a disappointing campaign by snatching the last UEFA Cup place with a 2-1 win at relegatedManchester City.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink fired Chelsea's winner for his 23rd goal of the season to win the golden boot award, the prize given for the Premiership'stop goalscorer.
AFP