Lazar Markovic scores as Liverpool beat Sunderland 1-0 away
Close-season signing from Benfica scores in the ninth minute for Reds in his first EPL goal
Lazar Markovic scored the only goal as improving Liverpool provisionally closed to within four points of the Premier League's top four by winning 1-0 at Sunderland yesterday.
At a gusty Stadium of Light, the £20 million (HK$234 million) close-season signing from Benfica scored in the ninth minute - his first Premier League goal.
Liverpool have lost just once in their past 13 games, renewing hope of a sustained challenge for a top-four finish in May and a return to the Champions League.
This is a team who get better and better as they go on. It is a young group, but they are developing very well
Gus Poyet's Sunderland, who had Liam Bridcutt sent off for two bookable offences, remain three points above the relegation zone with only one win from their past 11 games.
"Our confidence is returning," Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said. "This is a team who get better and better as they go on. It is a young group, but they are developing very well."
Having seen a penalty appeal waved away after tumbling under a challenge from Wes Brown, Markovic put Liverpool ahead when he took a Fabio Borini pass and prodded the ball between Costel Pantilimon's legs.