Not An Easy Victory

20 Aug, 2005 Liverpool 1-0 Sunderland

BBC: Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was his side's matchwinner but the home side made hard work of their victory over Sunderland at Anfield.

We got 3 points, but I think we could be better. Alonso scored with a fantastic free-kick. Cisse missed some good chances. Zenden and Sissoko looked great. Gerrard was substituted with an injury. Riise got on 63th minute, though I hoped he could be in the starting line-up.

Benitez: "If you are winning 1-0 normally the other team think they can do something. You need to score the second goal."

Alonso: "I'm happy with my goal and we're happy with the points, but we're not happy with our performance. There were a lot of things wrong and it turned into a tough game."

Liverpoolfc.tv: Gerrard has been ruled out of Tuesday's Champions League qualifier with CSKA Sofia at Anfield because of a calf injury but hasn't given up hope of returning for the Super Cup Final in Monaco on Friday.