Liverpool moved into fifth position in the Premiership as they chase a Champions League spot following a comfortable 3-0 home win over Sunderland. Fernando Torres scored twice as Sunderland's mini-revival came to an abrupt halt at Anfield and left them still glancing nervously over their shoulders at the relegation battle beneath them.
The Spaniard opened the scoring with a spectacular strike in only the third minute, curling a shot into the top corner.
Glen Johnson added a fortunate second with a shot that deflected off Michael Turner then turned provider for Torres to hook home again.
Only the heroics of Craig Gordon in the Black Cats goal kept the score to a respectable number.
With the game won the Reds eased off towards the end and former substitute Bolo Zenden nearly grabbed a late consolation for the visitor's but Pepe Reina was equal to his effort.
