Liverpool 2-0 Sunderland

04-03-2009 10:10

Liverpool stepped up the pressure on League leaders Manchester United with a 2-0 win over Sunderland at Anfield.

The Reds could have gone behind when Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones got past Martin Skrtel and raced through on goal. He had only the keeper to beat but Pepe Reina saved it diving down to his right.

Liverpool began to dominate play and Yossi Benayoun showed promise but he could not get the final edge on the ball. Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop was on hand, palming wide a deflected shot by Albert Riera.

After the break David Ngog made the breakthrough when Gerrard sent Riera's cross into his path and he scored his first league goal for Liverpool on 52 minutes. The goal seemed to give Liverpool a kick start and they played with more energy from there on.

Sunderland struggled to regain possession and, after 65 minutes, when Fulop spilled Ngog's cross Benayoun was able to slot home.

Liverpool now sit just four points behind Manchester United but United have two games in hand.

Last night's other Premiership results:

Portsmouth 0-1 Chelsea

West Brom 1-3 Arsenal