Liverpool have dropped down to ninth in the Premier League after playing out a 0-0 draw against Sunderland at Anfield this afternoon.

The hosts made a lively start to the game and showed plenty of intensity by closing down Sunderland whenever possible.

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The Black Cats eventually saw more possession and worked the ball into the box through Sebastian Larsson's cross, only for Glen Johnson to hack the ball clear.

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet would have been pleased with his side's passing and movement and they threatened again as Jordi Gomez smashed the ball off target after Liverpool failed to clear their lines from a corner.

Adam Lallana fashioned a good opening for Liverpool by shaking off a Sunderland defender before crossing to Rickie Lambert at the back post, but the striker could only guide his header wide of the post.

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The opportunity seemed to invigorate Liverpool, and Philippe Coutinho cut in from the left before firing in a low effort which Costel Pantilimon saved.

Connor Wickham then went down in the box under a challenge from Johnson, but referee Kevin Friend waved away Sunderland's appeals.

After the restart, a Sunderland corner from the right was inadvertently flicked on by Martin Skrtel before Wickham fizzed a volley wide at the back post as a great chance for away side went begging.

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Sunderland were pushing for a goal, with Larsson and Gomez both coming close as they ramped up the pressure on the hosts.

In response, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers sent on club captain Steven Gerrard in an attempt to give his side more urgency in the middle of the park. Coutinho fired a low effort towards goal, but Pantilimon was there to palm it away.

At the other end, Gomez hit a drive towards goal which Simon Mignolet did well to save.