Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland

Feb 3 2008

LIVERPOOL skipper Stevie Gerrard admitted the Reds got the confidence boost they needed after going five league games without a win.

They chalked up their first victory since Boxing Day as goals from Peter Crouch, Fernando Torres and a Gerrard spot-kick broke Sunderland's stubborn resistance.

Gerrard said: "Winning breeds confidence and confidence is a bit low at the moment so that victory certainly helps."

Reds boss Rafa Benitez paid tribute to the Anfield fans for keeping their patience as the Reds probed for an opener, saying: "When we needed them they were behind the team."

Sunderland worked hard and felt they should have had a penalty when Jamie Carragher appeared to handle Daryl Murphy's shot.

Boss Roy Keane said: "We didn't feel the decisions went our way and to lose 3-0 was harsh on the team."