Liverpool Survive Late Sunderland Surge

 2-1 

A sluggish Sunderland side came into Anfield today to face Liverpool in Premier League play.  Few teams have been able to silence the potent Liverpool attack with Suarez and Sturridge at the forefront.  Today was no exception despite the best efforts from the visitors.

Sunderland came out with a defensive mindset starting three centerbacks to clog Liverpool's offensive flow.  Initially the tactic worked as Liverpool could only manage shots from outside the box.  However a foul by one centerback, Vergini, gave Liverpool a freekick on the edge of the penalty area.  Steven Gerrard stepped up to take the freekick and beat the keeper with the shot to score (37').

Shortly after half-time Liverpool added another goal.  Daniel Sturridge was given space inside the Sunderland box and his shot took a slight deflection (48').  That slight touch by defender Wes Brown was enough to put off keeper Mannone and Liverpool pulled further ahead.

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet then  made two positive changes bringing Adam Johnson and Ki Sung-Yueng.  Together the two substitutes linked up for a goal to narrow the gap.  Johnson delivered a corner-kick that the Liverpool defense allowed to bounce in front of their goal.  Ki was attacking the far-post and scored with a diving header (76').

Now with only a one goal lead Liverpool played more conservative and found themselves defending more frantically.  In the end Liverpool held on to the lead and came away with three points.

Liverpool are now just one point off Chelsea at the top of the table with seven matches left to play.  The  Reds have a tough schedule ahead of them with Tottenham, Manchester City, and Chelsea on the horizon.  Fortunately they are all home games which could help Liverpool in the title race.