An early goal from Lazar Markovic has given Liverpool a 1-0 lead over Sunderland at half time in their Premier League match at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

Lazar Markovic of Liverpool celebrates scoring the opening goal with Steven Gerrard during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Liverpool at Stadium of Light on January 10, 2015 © Getty Images

The visitors wanted a spot kick just a few minutes after kickoff when Markovic tangled with Wes Brown in the box, but referee Craig Pawson was not interested in his appeals for a penalty.

The Serbia international did find the back of the net with less than 10 minutes gone though, collecting the ball on the edge of the box before driving towards the goal and forcing the ball past Costel Pantilimon.

Steven Gerrard tried to double Liverpool's lead midway through the opening period, but the captain's low effort was deflected wide.

Markovic could have scored his second of the day on the half-hour mark when he attempted an ambitious volley from the edge of the box, but he was denied by the post.

The woodwork came to Sunderland's rescue again a few minutes later, keeping a Jordan Henderson effort out, although the referee blew for a handball in the buildup, while Pantilimon had to remain alert to save another Gerrard strike a few minutes later.

It looked like Fabio Borini would score against the side that he spent last season on loan with just before the break when he rounded Brown, but his finish from a tight angle was into the side-netting.