Premier League: Liverpool v Sunderland – in pictures

Liverpool have had the lion's share of possession during the opening stages of the match but are finding it difficult to break through the Sunderland rearguard Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

Lee Cattermole takes charge and keeps Coutinho at bay. The visitors will be pleased with how the first half is going, the home crowd aren't though, they're getting a bit frustrated Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

In the 39th minute Santiago Vergini bundles over Luis Suarez on the edge of the D ... Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters

Up steps Captain Steven Gerrard who thwacks the free-kick towards the top corner ... Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

Despite getting a hand to it, it's too strong for Vito Mannone to keep out and Liverpool take a deserved lead Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

In the 39th minute Liverpool finally get the breakthough they've been looking for after Vergini hacks down Luis Suarez on the edge of the D. Captain Steven Gerrard thwacks a free-kick that's too strong for Mannone to keep out. Half-time score: Liverpool 1-0 Sunderland Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Just three minutes into the second half Daniel Sturridge extends Liverpool's lead when he curls one in from just inside the area via a deflection off Wes Brown. That goal means that Sturridge as well as Suarez have moved past the 20+ goals in a season mark, and it's the first time in over 50 years that a pair of Liverpoool strikers have done that. The last pairing was Roger Hunt and Ian St John Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Andrea Dossena clears from Glen Johnson Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

There's a nervy last 15 minutes ahead for the home fans after Sunderland's Sung-Yeung Ki pulls one back for the visitors. A corner from the right evades the entire Liverpool defence and Ki is on hand inside the six yard box to gently guide a header into an empty net Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

Daniel Agger challenges Emanuele Giaccherini as the visitors pile on the pressure Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

Liverpool weather the storm and the final whistle goes to give them an important victory, with boss Brendna Rodgers. It's their seventh win on the trot and puts them second in the table, just one point behind leaders Chelsea. Final score: Liverpool 2-1 Sunderland Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images