LIVERPOOL 2 - 0 WIGAN

Steven Gerrard sat back, watching from the bench for 70 minutes - and a few more of those likely to be employed in real work at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday might as well have joined him.

On a day that Liverpool's mind was elsewhere, a place in Europe next season was secured. Liverpool were anxious to avoid over exertion ahead of the Champions League date and Wigan appeared only too willing to comply.

A goal in each half by Dirk Kuyt secured the points and another shot at Europe's premier contest next season.

The Dutchman twice went close to completing his hat-trick, but that was of little consequence to either side. The result suited Liverpool and spared Wigan humiliation.

Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, said: "We wanted to rest some players and didn't want injuries. We needed to be patient and score and control the game and that is the way it turned out. It means we are sure to be in the Champions League again so it has been a good day for us."

Wigan's objective is to preserve their Premiership status, although you would scarcely have known it from this feeble interpretation of competing. They began with only one out-and-out striker and defended in numbers hoping against hope to stifle Liverpool and hold out for a point.

That plan was torn up after Kuyt's first goal, yet still their motivation was damage limitation and they managed to test Jose Reina only once, in the shape of Caleb Folan's header, 11 minutes from time.

Wigan's manager, Paul Jewell, made no apologies for the way his team played and admitted he was grateful to be going away without a hiding.

He said: "We came with a game plan to frustrate Liverpool and keep the crowd quiet. But we came unstuck with a bad goal. Let's not kid ourselves, they were in control.

"I don't like to play that way, but we are playing for high stakes and it could come down to goal difference. It's vital for both sides next week."

Jewell was satisfied enough for almost half an hour. Then Jermaine Pennant swung in a centre from the left, Kuyt beat Matt Jackson in the air and his header found the net.

Splendid Leighton Baines kept Wigan notionally in the contest with perfectly timed interventions and Filan atoned for his earlier indiscretion with a string of defiant second-half saves. Henri Camara gave Wigan a greater sense of purpose, but it was the introduction of Craig Bellamy that provided Liverpool with more effective weaponry. His impish dart into the area effectively set up the chance for Kuyt to drill his second.

Jamie Carragher was brought off, to keep him ready for Chelsea, but him and Sami Hyypia had a perfect game again, Carra controlling the line , all you could hear was him screaming orders at everyone else in team , on corners and crosses from Wigan.

Gerrard was brought on for Bolo Zenden, but he didnt really have much to do as Wigan rarely posed any threat.

Kuyt was unlucky not to get 3rd towards the end, but his header was sent straight to the keeper.

Rafa commented in the post match interview, "It was important with three games still to play to be sure of qualifying for the Champions League next season, and we have done that. we can now concentrate on the Champions League semi-final We have been in the Champions League for the last three seasons and we want to make sure of it again.

"It was hard against a team playing that way, but the key was to keep possession, keep passing the ball at pace and find the gaps. We had to be patient but we controlled the game and I am pleased for Kuyt. He always works hard for the team and he is a very good finisher as he showed with his two goals."

• Liverpool:

Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher (Agger, 73), Hyypia, Riise, Pennant, Alonso, Zenden (Gerrard, 70), Gonzalez, Kuyt, Crouch (Bellamy, 63)

Unused subs:

Dudek, Mascherano

Bookings:

Carragher 11, Alonso 63