Super Liverpool handed QPR their second thumping of the new campaign and lent substance to Gerry Francis' dire prediction that the gulf is widening between the Premier League's haves and have-nots.
Nigel Clough's third goal in two games since leaving Nottingham Forest helped confirm that a 5 million pound investment has restored the Merseysiders to health after last season's problems.
Bravely though Rangers traded attacking punches with their visitors, they were edged out on class on the day manager Francis reluctantly accepted the departure of England winger Andy Sinton for 2.7 million pounds to Sheffield Wednesday. Rangers, beaten 4-1 by another of the big spenders, Aston Villa, in the opening game, rely on Francis' shrewd investments. He unveiled Sinton's 750,000 pound replacement Trevor Sinclair, from Blackpool, and new 650,000 pound centre-half Steve Yates.
Rangers, also including Gary Penrice for the first time in seven months, might twice have taken the lead through Les Ferdinand, the England striker chairman Richard Thompson insists will not follow Sinton. He smoothly escaped onto Ray Wilkins' second minute free-kick but powered his header too close to Bruce Grobbelaar, who then excelled at full stretch in the 17th minute to turn aside Ferdinand's fearsome 20 yard volley.
But in the 19th minute, Yates was given his first lesson of upper class speed of thought as Rush sidestepped him onto Rob Jones' threaded pass and slotted home his first goal of the new campaign.
Wilkins' wonderful equaliser restored Rangers within five minutes. Darren Peacock's cross flew out off a defender and the veteran midfielder - 37 next month - sent it screaming past the goalkeeper with a 25-yard volley which must rank among the highlights of his illustrious career.
Two goals in three minutes before the break opened up the gulf. Nigel Clough, who created a superb opening for Ian Rush that Tony Roberts saved, then crossed from the left in the 40th minute, the Welsh striker dummied and Steve Nicol was left clear to give the goalkeeper no chance.
Then Nicol returned the compliment, battling to the by-line on the right and his low cross was neatly angled low inside the far post by a deft flick off Clough's left heel. Both sides maintained their breathless, open approach in the second half, with Steve McManaman closest to adding to the scoreline for Liverpool.
"That's the best performance I have ever seen from any centre forward in my time in football. He was phenomenal," said the Liverpool boss Souness about Rush. "He scored the first one, laid on the other two and his general play was just outstanding. He was the outstanding performer in a team that played very well as a whole."
The Welsh striker - 32 in October - looked as sharp as ever after battling back from cartilage problems and Souness added: "I wouldn't want to race him for my wages over any distance. He's not only physically quick but at Liverpool we have a saying that the first two yards are in your head and he has that as well. I've gone on record as saying he's the best goalscorer I've ever seen. But scoring goals is only part of it. If you studied him and nothing else in a game you would see all the work he does. He's like a big cat in the long grass in the jungle. He stalks a centre half when he's in possession. For me he is the best."
Liverpool have now racked up two impressive wins after last season's problems and Souness added: "We played well and I feel we can only get better. I'm a happy boy!"
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