Two goals from Djibril Cisse gave Liverpool a 2-1 victory over West Ham United on Wednesday to keep alive their slim chance of finishing second in the Premier League.
However the game, a dress rehearsal for next month's FA Cup final, was marred by late red cards for Liverpool's Luis Garcia and West Ham's Hayden Mullins which could keep them out of the showpiece at the Millennium Stadium.
French striker Cisse gave Liverpool the lead in the 19th minute with a fierce, low shot from the left edge of the penalty area that beat West Ham's reserve goalkeeper Jimmy Walker at his near post.
West Ham levelled just after halftime when Nigel Reo-Coker beat Jerzy Dudek from close range.
The lively Cisse restored Liverpool's lead in the 54th minute, taking a fine pass from Robbie Fowler before shooting under Walker.
Eight minutes from time substitute Garcia, one of five first choice players manager Rafael Benitez left on the bench, became involved in a scuffle with Mullins which resulted in both being given straight red cards.
With two games remaining, Liverpool (76 points) now trail Manchester United by three points, although United have a game in hand.
Chelsea, who have 88 points with three games to play, will clinch a second successive title if they avoid defeat against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
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