Liverpool continued their impressive run of form in the Premier League with a 3-0 win over Sunderland on Wednesday.
A tight opening period burst into life when Raheem Sterling handed Liverpool the lead after 19 minutes, before Luis Suarez made it two before the 30-minute mark.
Sunderland continued to struggle for invention in the second period and Suarez had his second after 52 minutes to secure the points.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two clubs.
Match statistics:
Liverpool:
Shots 19
On target 10
Possession 66%
Corners 8
Fouls 9
Sunderland:
Shots 3
On target 2
Possession 34%
Corners 5
Fouls 6
Was the result fair?
In a word, yes. It would be difficult to argue that Liverpool did not deserve to take all three points from this match. The first period was a fairly close affair, but the Reds dominated the second half of proceedings. Sunderland simply did not turn up this evening as they struggled their way through the 90 minutes, managing just three attempts at goal.
Liverpool's performance
8/10. Liverpool were impressive this evening, but in truth they came up against a really poor Sunderland team. They passed the ball as well as they have done all season and in Suarez, they have one of the in-form strikers in the Premier League. But even the most ardent of Liverpool supporters will remain cautious with tough matches ahead.
Sunderland's performance
4/10. In fairness to the Black Cats they came to play this evening, but their willingness to drive forward with numbers left them open in defence and they were made to pay in the opening period of football. Sunderland simply had to score the third goal if they were to have a chance of gaining something, but when Suarez doubled his tally it was game over.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Luis Suarez: The Uruguayan has not won too many friends since moving to the Premier League, but his footballing talent cannot be called into question. He added another two goals this evening in a wonderful all-round display.
Biggest gaffe of the match
James McClean had a fine opportunity to level for Sunderland moments after they had fallen behind, but he struck wide from inside the penalty area. The Reds had their second moments later through Suarez. That is football at the highest level.
Referee performance
Phil Dowd had a productive 90 minutes of action this evening. He allowed an intelligent advantage for Liverpool's second goal when Suarez was felled by Carlos Cuellar, but the striker put the ball in the back of the net moments later. Neither side would have had any complaints about his performance.
What next?
Liverpool: Liverpool open their FA Cup campaign with a trip to Mansfield Town on Sunday before travelling to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on January 13.
Sunderland: Sunderland are also in FA Cup action this weekend against Bolton Wanderers before they host West Ham United in the Premier League on January 12.
Matt Law
