Morientes and Cisse both could have opened the scoring for Liverpool before Xabi Alonso made the breakthrough in the 24th minute with a scorching free-kick into the top corner of the net after Bolo Zenden was brought down outside the box.
Steven Gerrard was withdrawn 10 minutes into the second half as a precaution after complaining of a calf problem, Luis Garcia was his replacement.
Sunderland were reduced to 10 men for the last quarter of an hour after hobbit Andy Welsh was harshly sent-off for supposedly throwing a punch at Garcia. The Black Cats did try for an equaliser but were no real threat to Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia.
Momo Sissoko continued to impress the fans and was again man of the match. Comparisons to Patrick Viera may this time be justified.