Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland: Liverpool produced a three-goal second-half burst to secure their first
Premier League win since St Stephen's Day.

Brave Sunderland frustrated their hosts in the first period and got precious little luck in the second when they looked to have been denied a penalty for a handling offence against Jamie Carragher.

But goals from Peter Crouch, Fernando Torres and a Steven Gerrard penalty sent Liverpool back to fifth place in the Barclays Premier League.

Sunderland were denied a penalty when it looked like Carragher, having thrown himself at a Murphy drive, had blocked the ball with his arm, way above his head.

Jonathan Evans had a header blocked by Jose Reina, before Martyn Waghorn came on for
Michael Chopra, with Dirk Kuyt replacing Crouch.

But it was still not a cruise for Liverpool as Sunderland continued to power forward and Steve Finnan was booked for a foul on Roy O'Donovan.

But two minutes from time salt was rubbed into Sunderland's wounds when Liverpool were awarded a penalty for a |Nyron Nosworthy challenge on Jermaine Pennant. Gordon was booked for dissent before Gerrard netted from the spot, the Scottish goalkeeper almost kept the ball out.