Liverpool beat Sunderland 2-0 in Premier League
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
SUNDERLAND, Mar 20 (AP): Dirk Kuyt's controversial penalty and a brilliant individual effort by Luis Suarez earned Liverpool a 2-0 win at Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday, trimming the gap to fifth-place Tottenham to just four points.
Kuyt opened the scoring from the spot in the 34th minute even though the tackle by Sunderland defender John Mensah, who was later shown a straight red for a professional foul, brought down Jay Spearing outside the area.
Suarez wrapped up victory in the 77th, running along the byline and fooling goalkeeper Simon Mignolet with a clever shot that crept in at the near post from a sharp angle.
Any hope of the hosts recovering were dashed when Mensah was dismissed for wrestling Suarez to the ground as the Uruguay striker chased a clearance.