Rob Styles blows the final whistle and Liverpool take the three points despite not playing particularly well at Anfield.
90
The fourth official indicates two minutes of added time.
89
The game is as good as over now but Sunderland are still trying to push for a consolation goal.
87
Goal
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 3 - 0 SUNDERLAND (GERRARD) Steven Gerrard converts the penalty to make it 3-0 for Liverpool.
87
Penalty
Rob Styles gives a penalty to Liverpool after the linesman spotted a foul by Nosworthy on Pennant.
86
Daryl Murphy blazes the resulting free kick about a mile wide of Pepe Reina's far post, Sunderland do not look like scoring this afternoon.
85
Yellow Card
Steve Finnan is booked for bringing down Roy O'Donovan just outside the area in a dangerous position.
84
Substitution
Michael Chopra is replaced by Martyn Waghorn.
84
Substitution
Dirk Kuyt replaces Peter Crouch who once again fails to play 90 minutes for Rafa Benitez.
83
Michael Chopra did well to get past Martin Skrtel down the right of the penalty area and pulled the ball back for Dean Whitehead, but Sami Hyypia once again was there to intercept the ball for Liverpool.
81
Liverpool survive but the ball should of been in the back of the net. Sunderland whipped in a good corner and I think it was Kenwyne Jones who got the last touch on the ball but Pepe Reina did well to deny Sunderland a goal.
79
Steven Gerrard has not had the best of games this evening for Liverpool. Let's just hope he gets out of bed on the right side on Wednesday for England.
77
Sunderland can't hope for much with a delivery like I have just seen. Daryl Murphy had a good opportunity to put a good cross into the area but instead hit it straight out of play. Very poor.
74
The home side try to recreate the second goal with Pepe Reina punting the ball up to the strikers once again, this time though Crouch misses the ball and it runs all the way through to Gordon.
72
Sunderland made amid claims for a handball against Jamie Carragher who was waving his hands around in the penalty area like Ian Thorpe. The Black Cats should of had a penalty.
70
Liverpool's second goal demonstrates to everyone what will happen if Rafa Benitez plays Peter Crouch and Fernando Torres together in attack. Simple.
69
Goal
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 2 - 0 SUNDERLAND (TORRES) A hopeful punt upfield from Liverpool was met by a Crouch flick on for Fernando Torres to run onto and finish superbly to make it 2-0 to Liverpool.
65
Sami Hyypia has had Kenwyne Jones in his pocket all afternoon and continues to dominate the big striker in the air. Maybe Roy Keane is thinking about changing it up front to try and get his team back in the game.
64
From the resulting corner Liverpool almost made Sunderland pay for a mistake in the other end of the pitch when Peter Crouch lept highest and headed the ball towards the corner of the goal, only for Phil Bardsley to clear it off the line.
63
From Reina's throw out Peter Crouch did well to keep the ball close to his feet and forced a superb save from Craig Gordon who tipped the ball wide for a Liverpool corner.
62
Sunderland won a corner which was easily caught by Pepe Reina who then magnificently through the ball around 50 yards to set Liverpool on the counter attack.
60
Substitution
Liverpool replace Lucas with Yossi Benayoun.
59
A fantastic save from Craig Gordon as he managed to tip Fernando Torres's effort just over the bar after a great bit of football from the Spaniard.
58
Liverpool's early second half pressure has payed off and thoroughly deserve to take the lead.
57
Goal
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 1 - 0 SUNDERLAND (CROUCH) Peter Crouch heads home a Jamie Carragher cross to break the deadlock and put the home side in front.
55
Substitution
A disappointment for early substitute Rade Prica who is now replaced himself by Roy O'Donovan.
53
Liverpool now shooting towards their favoured Kop End have made a much better start to the second half of the game and look like they had a motivational half time team talk from Rafa Benitez.
51
Jermaine Pennant did superbly well to knock the ball past Danny Collins and drive a cross into the danger area but Dean Whitehead who has been fantastic for Sunderland this afternoon, was there to clear the ball to safety.
49
Roy Keane is out in his technical area and is furious at Liam Miller, Sunderland had the chance to hit Liverpool on the counter attack but Miller carelessly misplaced a pass.
47
Jamie Carragher of all people advanced down the right and managed to whip a ball into the penalty area, but it went all the way across the six yard box and out of play for a Sunderland throw-in.
Second half
Liverpool get the game back underway in the second half.
46
Substitution
Half time substitution for Liverpool with Steve Finnan replacing Fabio Aurelio.
Half time
Rob Styles blows the half time whistle and a fairly even first half at Anfield.
45
Liverpool almost broke through the Sunderland defence as Gerrard poked the ball through the channel for Lucas but Nyron Nosworthy cleaned up once again and prevented the Brazilian from advancing into the area.
45
The fourth official indicates three minutes of added time.
44
The first corner of the game is won by Liverpool but Jonny Evans does well and clears the ball to safety for Sunderland.
42
The Sunderland fans are having a good evening as they cheer every pass their team makes, the Black Cats enjoyed a good spell of possession for around a minute.
39
A clash of heads in the centre circle as Torres and Bardsley come to blows challenging for the ball in the air. The pair look to be OK though and the magic sponge has done it's business.
38
Martin Skrtel has not made the best of starts to this nor his Liverpool career as he looks to have continued the form he had against Havant and Waterlooville in the F.A. Cup into this game. He really has looked very shaky.
35
Dean Whitehead was fouled over on the right hand side touchline and Sunderland loaded the box with the height they possess, but Sami Hyppia has been dominant in the air and he did well to get his head to the cross.
33
Sunderland are doing a good job of containing Liverpool so far and have dealth very well with any danger caused by Torres and co.
31
Kenwyne Jones went down very easily inside the penalty area and his ambitous claims for a penalty were immediately waved away by Rob Styles. Jones stayed down on the floor and continued to look like a beached turtle the way he was rolling around.
28
Fernando Torres found the ball played neatly into his feet but he couldn't turn Danny Collins who dealt with the Spaniard well and Sunderland regained possession.
25
Liverpool won another free kick in a dangerous position but this time it was Aurelio who decided to take it, thankfully for Sunderland his strike crashed against the wall which done it's job.
23
Sunderland try to cause Liverpool some problems with a long throw into the penalty area, the ball bounced outside of the box and fell to Dean Whitehead who struck it goal wards but Reina saved his shot comfortably.
21
Yellow Card
Referee Rob Styles decides enough is enough from Liam Miller who is booked for persistent fouling.
19
Sunderland look like they are trying to grow into the game, but no Oscar for Rade Prica who went down under pressure from Carragher and appeared to be shot down by a sniper in the Kop.
17
Liverpool are definately up for this, Steven Gerrard looks like he is out for one of his inspirational displays, he picked up the ball wide on the right and cut inside to smash a shot which was blocked by Jonny Evans.
15
Liverpool won a free kick which Fabio Aurelio touched to Gerrard for the skipper to smash his shot against Dean Whitehead who did well to get his body in the way in a dangerous position.
12
Liverpool are moving the ball around to each player of the team, of who you could sound like a bingo caller shouting their numbers out, with Mascherano 20, 21 with Lucas, Reina with 25, Skrtel 37. A prime example of modern day football.
10
Liverpool have failed to make a promising start and instead have been very mediocre, with the home fans already starting to become restless.
8
Eight minutes gone and Craig Gordon get his first touch of the ball, a pretty good start then so far for Sunderland who are allowing Liverpool to control the ball in not so dangerous positions.
7
Seven minutes gone and the game has started fairly evenly with neither side threating their opposition's goal.
6
Substitution
Kieran Richardson is eventually replaced by Rade Prica.
5
Sunderland are currently playing with ten men as Kieran Richardson walks around the edge of the pitch along side the Physio.
4
Kieran Richardson who has just returned from a hamstring injury has pulled up for Sunderland and is walking very gingerly as Rade Prica is called back to the substitutes bench by Roy Keane.
2
The first warning sign for Sunderland as Steven Gerrard dispossessed Phil Bardsley and drove forward, but Nyron Nosworthy was there to clean up and cover for Sunderland to prevent Gerrard from advancing any further.
1
Kickoff
Sunderland all in White get the game underway at Anfield.
Awaiting Kickoff
The referee today is Rob Styles (Hampshire).
Awaiting Kickoff
For Sunderland Phil Bardsley makes his debut for his new club, Michael Chopra returns after suspension, Kieran Richardson is back after recovering from a hamstring injury but Dwight Yorke is missing for Roy Keane's side.
Awaiting Kickoff
Liverpool are still without Alvaro Arbeloa and Andriy Voronin, Javier Mascherano returns to the side after serving a one match suspension, Lucas replaces Yossi Benayoun in midfield and Martin Skrtel also plays in defence.
Liverpool
Sunderland
Full time
Rob Styles blows the final whistle and Liverpool take the three points despite not playing particularly well at Anfield.
The fourth official indicates two minutes of added time.
The game is as good as over now but Sunderland are still trying to push for a consolation goal.
Goal
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 3 - 0 SUNDERLAND (GERRARD) Steven Gerrard converts the penalty to make it 3-0 for Liverpool.
Penalty
Rob Styles gives a penalty to Liverpool after the linesman spotted a foul by Nosworthy on Pennant.
Daryl Murphy blazes the resulting free kick about a mile wide of Pepe Reina's far post, Sunderland do not look like scoring this afternoon.
Yellow Card
Steve Finnan is booked for bringing down Roy O'Donovan just outside the area in a dangerous position.
Substitution
Michael Chopra is replaced by Martyn Waghorn.
Substitution
Dirk Kuyt replaces Peter Crouch who once again fails to play 90 minutes for Rafa Benitez.
Michael Chopra did well to get past Martin Skrtel down the right of the penalty area and pulled the ball back for Dean Whitehead, but Sami Hyypia once again was there to intercept the ball for Liverpool.
Liverpool survive but the ball should of been in the back of the net. Sunderland whipped in a good corner and I think it was Kenwyne Jones who got the last touch on the ball but Pepe Reina did well to deny Sunderland a goal.
Steven Gerrard has not had the best of games this evening for Liverpool. Let's just hope he gets out of bed on the right side on Wednesday for England.
Sunderland can't hope for much with a delivery like I have just seen. Daryl Murphy had a good opportunity to put a good cross into the area but instead hit it straight out of play. Very poor.
The home side try to recreate the second goal with Pepe Reina punting the ball up to the strikers once again, this time though Crouch misses the ball and it runs all the way through to Gordon.
Sunderland made amid claims for a handball against Jamie Carragher who was waving his hands around in the penalty area like Ian Thorpe. The Black Cats should of had a penalty.
Liverpool's second goal demonstrates to everyone what will happen if Rafa Benitez plays Peter Crouch and Fernando Torres together in attack. Simple.
Goal
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 2 - 0 SUNDERLAND (TORRES) A hopeful punt upfield from Liverpool was met by a Crouch flick on for Fernando Torres to run onto and finish superbly to make it 2-0 to Liverpool.
Sami Hyypia has had Kenwyne Jones in his pocket all afternoon and continues to dominate the big striker in the air. Maybe Roy Keane is thinking about changing it up front to try and get his team back in the game.
From the resulting corner Liverpool almost made Sunderland pay for a mistake in the other end of the pitch when Peter Crouch lept highest and headed the ball towards the corner of the goal, only for Phil Bardsley to clear it off the line.
From Reina's throw out Peter Crouch did well to keep the ball close to his feet and forced a superb save from Craig Gordon who tipped the ball wide for a Liverpool corner.
Sunderland won a corner which was easily caught by Pepe Reina who then magnificently through the ball around 50 yards to set Liverpool on the counter attack.
Substitution
Liverpool replace Lucas with Yossi Benayoun.
A fantastic save from Craig Gordon as he managed to tip Fernando Torres's effort just over the bar after a great bit of football from the Spaniard.
Liverpool's early second half pressure has payed off and thoroughly deserve to take the lead.
Goal
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 1 - 0 SUNDERLAND (CROUCH) Peter Crouch heads home a Jamie Carragher cross to break the deadlock and put the home side in front.
Substitution
A disappointment for early substitute Rade Prica who is now replaced himself by Roy O'Donovan.
Liverpool now shooting towards their favoured Kop End have made a much better start to the second half of the game and look like they had a motivational half time team talk from Rafa Benitez.
Jermaine Pennant did superbly well to knock the ball past Danny Collins and drive a cross into the danger area but Dean Whitehead who has been fantastic for Sunderland this afternoon, was there to clear the ball to safety.
Roy Keane is out in his technical area and is furious at Liam Miller, Sunderland had the chance to hit Liverpool on the counter attack but Miller carelessly misplaced a pass.
Jamie Carragher of all people advanced down the right and managed to whip a ball into the penalty area, but it went all the way across the six yard box and out of play for a Sunderland throw-in.
Second half
Liverpool get the game back underway in the second half.
Substitution
Half time substitution for Liverpool with Steve Finnan replacing Fabio Aurelio.
Half time
Rob Styles blows the half time whistle and a fairly even first half at Anfield.
Liverpool almost broke through the Sunderland defence as Gerrard poked the ball through the channel for Lucas but Nyron Nosworthy cleaned up once again and prevented the Brazilian from advancing into the area.
The fourth official indicates three minutes of added time.
The first corner of the game is won by Liverpool but Jonny Evans does well and clears the ball to safety for Sunderland.
The Sunderland fans are having a good evening as they cheer every pass their team makes, the Black Cats enjoyed a good spell of possession for around a minute.
A clash of heads in the centre circle as Torres and Bardsley come to blows challenging for the ball in the air. The pair look to be OK though and the magic sponge has done it's business.
Martin Skrtel has not made the best of starts to this nor his Liverpool career as he looks to have continued the form he had against Havant and Waterlooville in the F.A. Cup into this game. He really has looked very shaky.
Dean Whitehead was fouled over on the right hand side touchline and Sunderland loaded the box with the height they possess, but Sami Hyppia has been dominant in the air and he did well to get his head to the cross.
Sunderland are doing a good job of containing Liverpool so far and have dealth very well with any danger caused by Torres and co.
Kenwyne Jones went down very easily inside the penalty area and his ambitous claims for a penalty were immediately waved away by Rob Styles. Jones stayed down on the floor and continued to look like a beached turtle the way he was rolling around.
Fernando Torres found the ball played neatly into his feet but he couldn't turn Danny Collins who dealt with the Spaniard well and Sunderland regained possession.
Liverpool won another free kick in a dangerous position but this time it was Aurelio who decided to take it, thankfully for Sunderland his strike crashed against the wall which done it's job.
Sunderland try to cause Liverpool some problems with a long throw into the penalty area, the ball bounced outside of the box and fell to Dean Whitehead who struck it goal wards but Reina saved his shot comfortably.
Yellow Card
Referee Rob Styles decides enough is enough from Liam Miller who is booked for persistent fouling.
Sunderland look like they are trying to grow into the game, but no Oscar for Rade Prica who went down under pressure from Carragher and appeared to be shot down by a sniper in the Kop.
Liverpool are definately up for this, Steven Gerrard looks like he is out for one of his inspirational displays, he picked up the ball wide on the right and cut inside to smash a shot which was blocked by Jonny Evans.
Liverpool won a free kick which Fabio Aurelio touched to Gerrard for the skipper to smash his shot against Dean Whitehead who did well to get his body in the way in a dangerous position.
Liverpool are moving the ball around to each player of the team, of who you could sound like a bingo caller shouting their numbers out, with Mascherano 20, 21 with Lucas, Reina with 25, Skrtel 37. A prime example of modern day football.
Liverpool have failed to make a promising start and instead have been very mediocre, with the home fans already starting to become restless.
Eight minutes gone and Craig Gordon get his first touch of the ball, a pretty good start then so far for Sunderland who are allowing Liverpool to control the ball in not so dangerous positions.
Seven minutes gone and the game has started fairly evenly with neither side threating their opposition's goal.
Substitution
Kieran Richardson is eventually replaced by Rade Prica.
Sunderland are currently playing with ten men as Kieran Richardson walks around the edge of the pitch along side the Physio.
Kieran Richardson who has just returned from a hamstring injury has pulled up for Sunderland and is walking very gingerly as Rade Prica is called back to the substitutes bench by Roy Keane.
The first warning sign for Sunderland as Steven Gerrard dispossessed Phil Bardsley and drove forward, but Nyron Nosworthy was there to clean up and cover for Sunderland to prevent Gerrard from advancing any further.
Kickoff
Sunderland all in White get the game underway at Anfield.
Awaiting Kickoff
The referee today is Rob Styles (Hampshire).
Awaiting Kickoff
For Sunderland Phil Bardsley makes his debut for his new club, Michael Chopra returns after suspension, Kieran Richardson is back after recovering from a hamstring injury but Dwight Yorke is missing for Roy Keane's side.
Awaiting Kickoff
Liverpool are still without Alvaro Arbeloa and Andriy Voronin, Javier Mascherano returns to the side after serving a one match suspension, Lucas replaces Yossi Benayoun in midfield and Martin Skrtel also plays in defence.
Awaiting Kickoff
Sunderland Line-up: Gordon, Bardsley, Nosworthy, Evans, Collins, Chopra, Whitehead, Miller, Richardson, Murphy, Jones
Awaiting Kickoff
Liverpool Line-up: Reina, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Aurelio, Pennant, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Crouch, Torres