Fernando Torres watched on from the stands as two second-half goals from Ngog and Benayoun helped the Reds to all three points versus the Black Cats at Anfield. Liverpool edged a disappointing first-half from both teams with both Riera and Benayoun coming close for the home side. At the other end, Reina produced a good save to deny Kenwyne Jones. The Sunderland attacker broke the off-side trap but his weak effort was blocked by the Spanish shot-stopper.

The game came alive following the break as the Reds grabbed the first of their two goals on 52 minutes. A Steven Gerrard header across goal was met by David Ngog who had the easy task of sliding home from three yards out for his first Premier League goal.

Benayoun doubled Liverpool’s lead following an error from the Sunderland keeper. Fulop flapped at David Ngog's cross and there was Yossi Benayoun excellently placed to slot the loose ball into an empty net.

Albert Riera almost added a third as the Reds sliced open the Sunderland defence with some slick passing. A great one-two between Xabi Alonso and Riera left the latter with a yards space in the box, but his shot flew high and wide of Fulop’s goal.

Liverpool now have a full week to prepare for the Champions League clash versus Real Madrid next Tuesday at Anfield. The Reds go into the second-leg defending the 1-0 lead they brought back from the Spanish capital.


- Match Stats: Liverpool 2-0 Sunderland

Liverpool: Reina, Mascherano, Skrtel, Carragher, Insua, Benayoun (El Zhar, 89), Gerrard (Babel, 81), Alonso, Riera, Kuyt, Ngog (Leiva, 71)

Booked: Ngog

Goals: Ngog 52, Benayoun 65

Sunderland: Fulop, Ben-Haim, Ferdinand, Collins, McCartney, Malbranque (Edwards, 80), Whitehead, Reid, Leadbitter (Cisse, 62), Richardson, Jones (Murphy, 76)

Booked: Whitehead

Photo: www.liverpoolfc.tv