A fortuitous goal from Nicklas Bendtner was enough for Sunderland to claim all three points from their home fixture against Liverpool at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.
Hosts Sunderland went close to breaking the deadlock in the seventh minute, but John O'Shea was unable to get his headed effort from Sebastian Larsson's cross on target.
Liverpool had the better of the possession during the opening 45 minutes, although they found goalscoring chances hard to come by.
The closest they came was in the 43rd minute when Charlie Adam's strike from distance was tipped over the bar by Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
After Jack Colback had gone close shortly after the restart for Sunderland, Bendtner's winning strike arrived in the 56th minute.
Fraizer Campbell's initial effort struck the post, before hitting Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina on the back. The ball rebounded off the woodwork again and Bendtner reacted quickest to score from close range.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish responded by introducing captain Steven Gerrard and Andy Carroll into the action, but the attacking duo were unable to inspire their side to find an equaliser.
The Reds have now lost four of their last five away matches in the Premier League.
Liam Apicella
