Marco goes off injured as Rokerites lose
by Brendan Gallagher of "Press Association"
Liverpool came from behind to beat Sunderland and go three points clear at the top of Division One, but there are still signs that all is not well at Anfield. Sunderland have won only once away from home in the League this season, and their already slim chances of victory got worse when top striker Marco Gabbiadini limped off after just ten minutes.
With the experienced Peter Davenport left out, Sunderland were left with 19-year-old strikers David Rush and Kieron Brady. But Sunderland took a surprising lead after 19 minutes when Gordon Armstrong headed home after his initial shot had been blocked. Sunderland continued to bombard Liverpool but were unable to increase their lead, with young David Rush failing to score when sent clear.
Sunderland were soon to learn the hard way that chances created against Liverpool at Anfield should be converted. Liverpool inevitably equalised, although there was a hint of luck about the goal. John Barnes swept in a centre after 29 minutes and the ball deflected off defender Gary Bennett onto Ian Rush, who claimed the goal. And Liverpool's winning goal, just before half-time, was even luckier.
Peter Beardsley found space to shoot but the ball appeared to be going wide when Sunderland's Gary Owers sliced it into the net as he tried to clear.
Liverpool's Speedie and Sunderland's Pascoe and Owers all missed chances to score in the second half, and Liverpool held on to move three points ahead of Arsenal at the top of the League.
But Arsenal look to be in a stronger position than the champions, despite having been docked two points for their part in a brawl at Old Trafford earlier in the season.
It has been announced that Liverpool's caretaker-manager Ronnie Moran is to stay in charge at least until the end of the season. He will be glad of small mercies, and will be more than pleased with his team's second successive League victory despite their poor performance.
Copyright - Press Association