Divock Origi and James Milner both struck late on as Liverpool claimed a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday.
The Reds had looked to be heading for a frustrating stalemate against the Black Cats after Philippe Coutinho was stretchered off midway through the first half.
Coutinho's replacement, Origi, changed the course of the match with a deflected effort 15 minutes from time before James Milner wrapped up the points with a penalty after Sadio Mane was fouled.
Liverpool climb back to the top of the Premier League, at least for the time being, before Chelsea take on Tottenham on Sunday.