Steven Gerrard scored a hat-trick as Liverpool hammered Aston Villa 5-0 on Sunday to close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester United. Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a close-range shot after Xabi Alonso's header from Gerrard's free-kick struck the crossbar. Spanish midfielder Albert Riera doubled the advantage on 33 minutes with a superb half-volley after connecting with a deep cross from keeper Jose Reina. Gerrard added the third six minutes before the break when he converted a penalty after Nigel Reo-Coker fouled Riera. The Liverpool skipper killed off Villa hopes in the 50th minute when keeper Brad Friedel failed to deal with his low free-kick. He completed his treble five minutes past the hour with another penalty. Liverpool are second in the league table with 64 points, just one adrift of leaders and holders United, who still have a game in hand.