Liverpool beat Sunderland 2-1 at Anfield to move back up to second in the Premier League table.

The Black Cats’ massed ranks had frustrated their hosts for the majority of the first half, but Steven Gerrard struck a fine free kick into the top corner to open the scoring.

The Reds were incensed that Santiago Vergini only received a yellow card for bringing down Luis Suarez after giving away the free kick, and the Argentine was even luckier to stay on the field shortly afterwards when he slid in on Suarez again.

Daniel Sturridge doubled the advantage three minutes after the break with a shot from 18 yards out which deflected in off Wes Brown.

Lee Cattermole struck the crossbar and Sturridge did likewise at the other end, but the Black Cats were given a lifeline when Ki Sung-Yeung headed home at the far post with 14 minutes remaining.

Anfield was a bag of nerves in the final moments but the hosts managed to hold on despite increasing Sunderland pressure.

More to follow…