Liverpool and Sunderland have gone into the break with the score at 0-0 in this afternoon's Premier League match at Anfield, with both sides struggling to take control in a scrappy half.
The hosts made a lively start to the game and played with plenty of intensity as they closed 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.
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.
Benjamin Topliss
