Liverpool keeps title in crosshairs

Liverpool enhanced its Premier League title credentials and closed to within a point of leader Chelsea after overcoming a stubborn Sunderland 2-1 at Anfield on Wednesday.

Steven Gerrard's superb 39th-minute free kick broke the deadlock and Daniel Sturridge doubled the Reds' lead early in the second half, only for Ki Sung-yueng's late header to leave Liverpool hanging on.

When the final whistle sounded, to roars of relief from the home fans, it gave Brendan Rodgers's side a seventh consecutive victory and took it above Manchester City, which retains two games in hand.