Heskey has now scored three goals in his last two matches after previously finding the net just once in 34 games.

But before Heskey struck, Leeds had already shot themselves in the foot with an own-goal from Rio Ferdinand.

Michael Owen scored the fourth goal in the last minute to complete a resounding victory.

In the 16th minute former Liverpool star Dominic Matteo's touchline challenge on Heskey led to Danny Murphy whipping in a swirling free-kick which Ferdinand inadvertently steered past Nigel Martyn.

And Robbie Fowler, facing his old club for the first time, barely had a kick as Liverpool's defence remained solid.

Sami Hyypia and Stephane Henchoz ensured he was tamed, and instead it was Heskey who emerged the hero after the hour.

In the 61st minute Heskey received Steven Gerrard's slide-rule through ball but appeared to be offside.

It ensured he had the measure of Matteo and when Martyn came out of his goal, Heskey went around him and finished from an acute angle.

Two minutes later Liverpool were home and dry as Heskey superbly hooked the ball home on the volley from six yards after Leeds had failed to clear their lines after Stephen Wright had flicked on a corner from John Arne Riise.

Liverpool's joy as complete on 90 minutes when Owen was first to his own rebound after an initial header had struck the crossbar.