Liverpool
3-0
Sunderland

Sterling (19'), Suárez (26', 52')

FT(HT: 2-0)

Build-up

Preview

Half-Time Report: Liverpool in control against Sunderland

By Jack Prescott, Rugby Editor | 02 January 2013

Goals from Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez give Liverpool a 2-0 half-time lead over Sunderland in tonight's Premier League encounter at Anfield.

Liverpool have a 2-0 half-time lead over Sunderland in tonight's Premier League encounter at Anfield.

Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez scored the goals to put the Reds on course for a second consecutive win.

Liverpool's Raheem Sterling scores the opening goal in their match against Sunderland on January 2, 2013 © PA Photos

The hosts had the better of the possession in the opening half, but they struggled to create many chances in front of goal.

However, they broke the deadlock in the 18th minute as Sterling lifted the ball over the onrushing Simon Mignolet following a through-ball from Luis Suarez.

The visitors had a glorious opportunity to get themselves level soon after through James McClean - only for the winger to somehow fire wide with just Pepe Reina to beat.

The Black Cats were made to pay in the 26th minute when Suarez took on Carlos Cuellar before firing the ball into the bottom corner.

Despite the scoreline, Sunderland refused to let their heads drop and they could have got off the mark 10 minutes before the interval.

Sebastian Larsson's stinging drive could only be palmed by Reina, but Matthew Kilgallon shot the rebound wide when he should have at least hit the target.