Liverpool 2-1 Sunderland

In the Premier League 29th round match, Liverpool meet Sunderland at home. Finally Liverpool 2-1 Sunderland, and Liverpool is only one point less than Chelsea now.

Sunderland were obstinate opponents and it was to their credit, rather than Liverpool's fault, that the free-flowing, free-scoring form of Luis Suárez, Daniel Sturridge and co was often contained. Not even Brendan Rodgers's team can swat everyone aside with ease. The visitors almost changed fortunes at both ends of the table when Ki Sung-yueng scored with a 76th-minute header and John O'Shea rose to meet Adam Johnson's free-kick with seconds remaining. A title challenge flashed before Anfield's eyes. The ball flashed across goal and Liverpool held out.

Only six times previously have two players scored 20 league goals in a season for Liverpool – the last coming in 1963-64 through Ian St John and Roger Hunt – but Sturridge joined Luis Suárez over that barrier to help maintain Liverpool’s title challenge. The striker has 12 goals in his last 13 appearances for Liverpool. Gerrard’s role was crucial, however, opening the scoring in fine style and telling Suárez “No more free-kicks for you” after taking on set-piece duties from the Uruguay international.

With a wave of seven consecutive victories, Liverpool have the points gap with league leaders Chelsea down to just one point. Reds can take points in such a devil race like Tannangquwu is largely dependent on the performance of SAS portfolio to the force, the two teamed up in this wave scored 11 goals in a row to contribute a lot. In the field Suarez "East does not shine", the "Western bright" Sturridge completed the break, the team could legitimately scored 3 points.