Liverpool back to winning ways
Peter Crouch opened the scoring for Liverpool
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Saturday, 02, Feb 2008 08:04
Liverpool claimed their first win since Boxing Day with a comfortable 3-0 win over Sunderland at Anfield this evening.
Strike duo Fernando Torres and Peter Crouch grabbed a goal each and captain Steven Gerrard converted a penalty to ease some of the tension that has been surrounding the Reds over the last few weeks.
The Liverpool fans took part in a 15-minute demonstration against American owners George Gillet and Tom Hicks after the match, and after a disappointing first-half they were probably gearing up for a longer demonstration.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez made five changes from the team that lost against West Ham in midweek and his team failed to find any rhythm in the first-half.
There was only one real chance in the first-half and that fell to Liverpool. Jermaine Pennant floated in a ball into the penalty area, but Torres directed his header straight at Craig Gordon in the Sunderland goal.
Liverpool vastly improved in the second-half and deservedly took the lead. Jaime Carragher – playing at right-back – delivered a beautiful ball to the back post and Crouch leapt highest to head the ball home.
The England striker had a couple of more good efforts on goal. First he saw a volley saved by the keeper and then Phil Bardsley was on hand to clear Crouch's header of the line.
Crouch was on hand to setup Torres for his goal as the giant striker headed the ball into the path of the Spaniard who calmly finished past Gordon.
Sunderland had two strong penalty shouts waved away by referee Rob Styles, and when he did decide to award a spot kick, it fell to the home side.
Nyron Nosworthy clumsily brought down Pennant in the penalty area and Gerrard stepped up to score the final goal of the game.