Suarez Shines in Liverpool Return

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Luiz Suarez returned to Premier League play for Liverpool today as the Reds travelled to face Sunderland.  Suarez and Sturridge both started at striker for Liverpool and by half-time each had one goal.

Sturridge scored on a corner-kick delivered by captain Gerrard.  His service was flicked-on by Kolo Touré in the box to setup Sturridge in front of the net (28').  Initially it looked like Sturridge finished with a header, but replay showed he used his arm to get the final touch.  No one seemed to see it on the field, including the ref, and the goal counted.  Sturridge then setup Suarez for his first goal of the season.  Creating space wide right, Sturridge played an easy pass across the face of goal for Suarez crashing the far-post (36').

Sunderland were much better in the second-half and had Liverpool's defense rather uneasy.  The new Italian signing Giaccherini scored a goal early in the second-half to narrow the gap.  Ki Sung-Yueng fired a shot at goal that keeper Mignolet was able to block.  Mignolet could not hold on to the shot however, and Giaccherini pounced on the loose ball and scored (52').

Suarez and Sturridge were too much for Sunderland today though, and the two strikers linked up once more for another Liverpool goal.  Suarez was able to break forward on a counter-attack and picked out Sturridge with an early cross.  Sturridge then passed the ball back across the net for Suarez who continued his run to score at the back-post (89').

Liverpool climbs to second in the table following the road win at Sunderland, tied with Tottenham with thirteen points.  Next week Liverpool will host Crystal Palace making a return to the Premier League, while Sunderland take on Manchester United.