LIVERPOOL all but secured the third Champions League spot after Dirk Kuyt came off the bench to head home the winner against Reading five minutes from time.

The Dutchman popped up at the far post to head home Jermaine Pennant's lofted cross just when it appeared Reading had done enough to secure the draw.

Brynjar Gunnarson's low drive just after the restart had drawn Reading level after Alvaro Arbeloa gave Liverpool the lead with his first goal in English football.

Reading started well, with enough industry and energy to pin Liverpool back in their own half early on, but a superb one-two between Peter Crouch and Arbeloa set up the Spaniard for a superb curled finish to give Liverpool the lead at the break. Shortly after the interval then, Gunnarson miscontrolled Stephen Hunt's pass before firing home a superb finish to equalise.

However, it wasn't enough as Liverpool pressed on for Kuyt to win it.