Liverpool have moved to within one point of league leaders Chelsea after a hard-fought 2 - 1 win over Sunderland.

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet's decision to start with a five-man defence appeared to have paid off as the visitors managed to stifle the much-vaunted Liverpool attack for much of the opening half.

But Reds captain Steven Gerrard made the break-through shortly before half-time, curling in a free-kick after a foul on Luis Suarez.

Daniel Sturridge added a second three minutes into the second 45 after cutting in onto his left foot but a diving header from Ki Sung-Yueng gave Sunderland a shot at claiming a point.

The Black Cats came close to an equalizer late on but John O'Shea failed to convert an Adam Johnson set piece from six yards out.

Steven Gerrard Goal ~ Liverpool 1-0 Sunderland... by All_Goals