Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League table on Sunday thanks to a 2-1 victory over West Ham United at Upton Park.

Steven Gerrard scored from the penalty spot on 43 minutes following James Tomkins's handball, but West Ham levelled things up in first-half stoppage time when Guy Demel prodded home from a corner.

The Reds then secured the win with 20 minutes left to play thanks to a second Gerrard penalty after Adrian was adjudged to have brought down Jon Flanagan.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two teams in East London.

Match statistics

West Ham
Shots: 11
On target: 1
Possession: 36%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 10

Liverpool
Shots: 17
On target: 8
Possession: 64%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 9

Was the result fair?

Liverpool were the better team on a tricky afternoon at Upton Park, but they only just managed to come away with the three points. It was not their most fluid display, though it could be one of their most important results of the season.

West Ham's performance

The Hammers frustrated their opponents for large parts of the match as they kept to their physical, bustling style. The hosts particularly excelled in defence, with James Tomkins and Winston Reid doing well to nullify the threat of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. West Ham may have been fortunate with their equaliser, but it could be argued that they deserved it for taking the game to Liverpool in the first half. It was only midway through the second period that they began to tire, allowing the visitors to take control of the contest before eventually forcing the win. Despite it being no consolation, Sam Allardyce's side could have won this game on another day.

Liverpool's performance

This was by no means a classic Liverpool display, though Brendan Rodgers is sure to be delighted with the tenacity of his players. They had to dig deep to get the win, and dig deep they did. Jordan Henderson drove the visitors on from midfield in the absence of the under-par Steven Gerrard, while Suarez, Sturridge and Raheem Sterling were continually busy in attack. From a defensive point of view, the Reds were forced to deal with a lot of long balls and the robust presence of Andy Carroll, but Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho did just about enough to keep the West Ham striker at bay. With Manchester City travelling to Anfield next Sunday, it was vital for Liverpool to pick up the three points at Upton Park.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Luis Suarez: The Uruguayan kept running at Upton Park, showing great stamina and determination for the cause. Suarez usually deals in moments of individual brilliance, but this display was more about his part in the overall picture for Liverpool thanks to 90 tireless minutes.

Biggest gaffe

Liverpool could have taken the lead in the first half when Sturridge was presented with a decent opening after the West Ham defence had failed to clear Suarez's cross. However, the striker could only blast his first-time effort high over the crossbar when he had time to take a touch and pick his spot.

Referee performance

Where to start? Anthony Taylor endured a woeful 90 minutes at Upton Park, with two key decisions shaping the game. The first call he got wrong was to overrule his assistant when awarding West Ham their equaliser after Andy Carroll had clearly fouled Simon Mignolet. The second was in giving Liverpool their winning penalty, even though it was unclear whether there was contact between Adrian and Flanagan. It will be a big surprise to see the official taking charge of a Premier League fixture next weekend based on this sub-par performance.

What next?

West Ham: The Hammers have an extended break before returning to action on April 13 away to Arsenal in the Premier League.

Liverpool: The Reds face a huge challenge next Sunday when they host title rivals Manchester City in the Premier League.