Liverpool finally gave themselves something to be happy about with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland that helped put days of recriminations and thoughts the title is now beyond them to one side.
They cut the gap on leaders Manchester United - who now have two games in hand - to four points with second-half goals from teenager David Ngog and industrious midfielder Yossi Benayoun.
It was only Liverpool's second home league win since Boxing Day and it will at least give them confidence heading into next week's Champions League tie with Real Madrid.
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