Steven Gerrard scored a second half hat-trick as Liverpool came from behind to win 3-1 against Napoli at Anfield in Europa League Group K. New Liverpool owner John Henry was in attendance at Anfield to see his team recover from being a goal behind after 45 minutes and looking bereft of ideas to storm back in the second half to claim a vital win and almost book their place in the next phase of the Europa League.
The introduction of Gerrard in the second half was the catalyst Liverpool needed to inject some urgency into the proceedings and turn the game around.
A first half that started promisingly for Liverpool ended with them going in at the break 1-0 down as Napoli recovered to fully deserve their half-time lead.
In the first couple of minutes the Reds found space down the flanks to send over a series of dangerous crosses and expose the uncertain keeping of the Italian stopper Morgan de Sanctis.
But when the breakthrough failed to arrive the visitor's regrouped and showed their attacking prowess in which Ezequiel Lavezzi was outstanding causing the Liverpool defence problems with his pace and movement.
The first warning for the home side was when Marek Hamsik blazed over from a good position.
The Italian's continued to press as Liverpool laboured to create anything of note in attack.
The home side were also making mistakes and giving away possession too easily. From one such error Lavezzi pounced but fired narrowly wide.
But the Argentinean got his reward after 28 minutes. Further sloppy play in the middle of the field allowed Edinson Cavani to head Lavezzi clear and his crisp finish gave Pepe Reina no chance.
The vociferous Napoli supporters celebrated accordingly.
Liverpool then briefly rallied and David Ngog almost equalised with a sliding shot, then Glen Johnson brought the first save of the game from de Sanctis.
The whole team was inspired by the introduction of Gerrard and Napoli looked shocked with the more positive attitude of the hosts.
Jonjo Shelvey teed up Ngog who shot against the legs of the keeper then Raul Meirles dragged his effort wide from close range as the visitor's wobbled.
Gerrard gave the Italians due notice of what was to come when he fired a free kick narrowly wide.
Then on 75 minutes the England midfielder began his quest for the match ball.
A poor back pass from former Reds defender Andrea Dossena was pounced upon by Gerrard who forced the ball home in a challenge with the keeper.
With four minutes remaining Johnson was brought down inside the penalty area by Salvatore Aronica and the Reds skipper did the rest from 12 yards.
The hat-trick arrived shortly after when Liverpool broke quickly through a ragged visitor's rearguard allowing the super-sub to coolly chip De Sanctis and go home with the match ball.
This result means the Reds have won their last eight European home games and only need to avoid defeat in Bucuresti to progress in the competition.
Referee: Fredy Fautrel (FRA)
Venue: Anfield Attendance: 33,895
Liverpool scorers: Gerrard 75, 88 pen, 89 Napoli scorers: Lavezzi 28
LIVERPOOL 25 Reina 02 G Johnson (yellow card) 03 Konchesky 16 Kyrgiakos (yellow card) 23 Carragher 04 Raul Meireles 26 Spearing 28 C Poulsen (Eccleston 65) 33 Shelvey 14 Jovanovic (Gerrard 46) 24 Ngog (Lucas 82)
Substitutes 41 Hansen, 22 Wilson, 34 Kelly, 37 Skrtel, 08 Gerrard, 21 Lucas, 39 Eccleston
NAPOLI 26 De Sanctis (yellow card) 06 Aronica 08 Dossena (yellow card) 14 Campagnaro (yellow card) 28 Cannavaro 05 Pazienza 11 Maggio 17 Hamsik (Yebda 84) 23 Gargano 07 Cavani (yellow card) 22 Lavezzi
Substitutes 33 Gianello, 02 Grava, 13 Santacroce, 18 Zuniga, 21 Yebda, 77 Sosa, 12 Dumitru
