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 The BBC's Alan Green"Sunderland could have been three-up"  real 28k |
Sunderland run ended by Reds
Owen and Craddock challenge during the first half |
Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool
Michael Owen and Patrik Berger scored the goals which ended Sunderland's year-long unbeaten home record.
The young England striker netted midway through the second half, with Berger sealing the win in the final five minutes.
 The goal he scored was a typical Michael Owen goal because he created it himself.  |
| Liverpool's Gerard Houllier |
The game started with a number of team changes after the fortnight's break for international matches.
Owen: Squeezed out this time but had last laugh |
Liverpool made five, mainly due to injury, as Rigobert Song, Patrik Berger, Dominic Matteo, Danny Murphy and Steven Gerrard were all recalled.
Quinn's power was the greatest threat to either defence in the early stages, with defender Sami Hyypia finding the Irish giant a real handful.
Late in the first half the Finn receive a nasty crack in the face from the striker's elbow.
And the Republic of Ireland international had the clearest chance to open the scoring in the opening half.
We didn't stick them in. If you don't take chances you don't win games. |
| Sunderland's Peter Reid |
Liverpool enjoyed a lot of possession in midfield and Jamie Redknapp was able to frequently prompt Berger down the left.
Sunderland responded in typical combative style with Rae and Gavin McCann both booked for late challenges.
And the away side were unable to make much progress in advanced areas, where Michael Owen was partnered by Murphy - a diminutive strike force which struggled to make a first half impact.
The second half began with the home side having a superb chance to open the scoring seconds after the break.
But Nicky Summerbee's perfect cross was headed just wide by Kevin Phillips.
Owen after the hour
Owen broke the deadlock after 63 minutes, receiving the ball on the left as Craddock committed himself too early.
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Match facts |
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First half: Song clears Quinn's effort |
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63 mins: Owen proves class is permanent |
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80 mins: Wasteful Wearsiders chase game |
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85: Berger seals it |
Sunderland responded well, with Quinn's aerial ability - and Liverpool's ability to give the ball away on the edge of their area - giving the home fans hope.
The Irish striker headed over from six yards after Liverpool slackness, while Kevin Ball flashed a drive just wide after the visitors' defence was unable to clear another high ball.
Yet another header - this time from Phillips after Quinn's flick - was tipped over brilliantly by Westerveld as the home side surged forward in the final ten minutes.
But Berger made sure with a powerful finish after a run and cross from substitute David Thompson.
Yet there was still time for Sunderland to have another chance cleared off the line at the end of an unlucky defeat.
Teams:
Sunderland: Sorensen, Williams, Butler, Craddock, Gray, Summerbee, Rae, Roy, McCann, Phillips, Quinn. Subs: Marriott, Holloway, Fredgaard, Reddy, Thirlwell.
Liverpool: Westerveld, Song, Henchoz, Hyypia, Matteo, Gerrard, Hamann, Redknapp, Murphy, Berger, Owen. Subs: Heggem, Meijer, Friedel, Thompson, Traore.
Referee: D Gallagher (Banbury
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