Sunderland vs Liverpool Match Report

Sunderland vs Liverpool Match Report

Markovic makes the difference as Liverpool secure three points in a tight game at the Stadium of Light.

Lazar Markovic’s early strike was enough for Liverpool to move to within four points of a champion’s league place. He nearly added a second with an acrobatic attempt that struck the bar.

 

Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt was sent off harshly sent off for two bookable offences and while an Adam Johnson shot did hit the bar, Liverpool saw out what was a relatively comfortable afternoon in the north east.

 

This was a fourth win in the last five games for the reds who are starting to enter a good run of form. Sunderland meanwhile will be looking over their shoulder, being placed just one point above the relegation zone.

 

Liverpool would have felt aggrieved if they had not won this game as they probably should have had an early penalty when Black Cats defender Wes Brown bought down Markovic in the box. However his was forgotten quickly as soon after the Serbian winger latched onto the ball after Fabio Borini was bought down on the edge of the box before poking it past Costel Pantillimon.

 

The Serb almost scored again with a spectacular attempt that rocketed against the bar before Borini rounded the goalkeeper after being put through by an Emre Can pass, but he could only find the side netting.

 

Liverpool may have been concerned at half time, partly because the inspirational Steven Gerrard had to be substituted after feeling a tight hamstring, but also due to the at times shambolic Dejan Lovren coming on to take his place.

 

It was the referee who was a bit of a shambles however after sending off Bridcutt for two yellow cards, the second in particular seeming extremely harsh afterwhat appeared to be him challenging Emre Can for the ball in a shoulder to shoulder challenge before trying to move out of the way.

 

The unlucky midfielder ended up facing with his back to Can but the referee still though a second yellow was deserved.

 

This however produced Sunderland’s best spell of the game, however outside of a swerving Adam Johnson shot that hit the bar, they created very little throughout the game. Liverpool kept what was only their sixth clean sheet in thirty seven games.

 

Liverpool will be pleased with their performance, although the fact that they only had one goal for the efforts and through long periods of dominance will be a concern, especially considering their defensive record this season. The return of Daniel Sturridge, who is due back this month could be what the reds need to add some extra firepower to their attack.

 

The reds will be hoping to build on some recent good results in their next game, away at Aston Villa.