A Christian Benteke strike seconds into the second half was enough for Liverpool to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
There weren't even 30 seconds on the second half clock when Sunderland shot themselves in the foot by losing the ball in their own half. A low ball in from Nathaniel Clyne was flicked on by Adam Lallana through for Benteke, who slotted it past Vito Mannone for all three points.
First half give and go
Sunderland certainly held their own in the first half as they exchanged chances with Jürgen Klopp's team. The first clear sight of goal fell Jermain Defoe's way as he held the ball up on the right and was allowed to travel across the edge of the Liverpool box, but Simon Mignolet was there to spectacularly deny his left-footed effort..
Former Red Fabio Borini got a clearer sight of goal just after the half hour when Patrick van Aanholt played the ball inside from the left, however the Italian's shot on the turn went wide of the target, with him unable to find the back of the net for a third game in succession.
At the same time though the Wearsiders could thank themselves lucky not to be behind before half time as Mannone had to pull off a couple of decent saves and former Black Cat Jordan Henderson had an effort cleared just in front of goal.
Lack of second half purpose
With the exception of the lightning quick start to the period with Benteke giving Liverpool the lead, the second half as a whole was a tough one to watch as Sunderland had a lot of the ball but could not find any penetration in the final third of the pitch.
The closest they came was early in the half as again van Aanholt and Borini linked up down the left only for the latter to hit his foot shot tamely right at former Sunderland 'keeper Mignolet.
A few set pieces set a bit of panic going in the Liverpool defence late on, however Sunderland could not find a way through and remain seven points from safety at now the midway point of the season.
Their goal difference could have been hindered more right at the end as Benteke was in a clear one-on-one situation, but Mannone made a superb save with his feet to ensure the final score was only 1-0.
The Black Cats now face Aston Villa at the weekend in a must-win fixture between the Premier League's two bottom sides.