Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool celebrates scoring the second goal with team-mate Jordan Henderson during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Sunderland at Anfield on March 26, 2014 © Getty Images

Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge both had half-chances early on, but Sunderland held firm in defence to frustrate the hosts.

Phil Bardsley had the visitors' first sight of goal, but his effort was easily blocked by Daniel Agger.

Liverpool were able to break the deadlock shortly before half time when Santiago Vergini brought Suarez down just outside the box, allowing Steven Gerrard to curl the ball in from the resultant free kick.

Liverpool's English midfielder Steven Gerrard celebrates scoring the opening goal from a freekick with Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Sunderland at Anfield in Liverpool, nor © Getty Images

Connor Wickham tried to level the scores before the break, but his deflected shot was comfortably saved by Simon Mignolet.

Liverpool doubled their lead less than three minutes into the second half when Sturridge powered the ball into the top corner after Jordan Henderson pulled the ball back for the striker.

Sturridge almost bagged a brace just eight minutes later, but his curled shot was inadvertently blocked by Suarez just in front of goal.

Suarez continued to create chances as the match progressed, including setting up Philippe Coutinho for a strike, but Vito Mannone was able to deny him.

Lee Cattermole had a chance to get the visitors back into the match in the final 20 minutes when his volley thumped the crossbar.

However, Sunderland were able to pull a goal back a few moments later when Ki Sung-Yueng headed in from a corner.

The Black Cats pushed hard in the final minutes as they tried to force a late equaliser, and John O'Shea looked to turn the ball in from an Adam Johnson free kick, but the captain could not find the target.