Steven Gerrard is never a man to disappoint on the big occasions – and he was at his inspirational best on Wednesday night to relieve the tension at Anfield with a stunning free-kick against Sunderland.

The skipper's 38th-minute strike handed Liverpool the lead and laid the foundations for the Reds' 2-1 win - their seventh consecutive Barclays Premier League triumph.

It was a wonderful set-piece from Gerrard - although he conceded afterwards that he had been given the blessing of Luis Suarez to take the free-kick.

The 33-year-old was happy to be given the opportunity and was delighted that it helped Liverpool close the gap at the top of the table to just one point.

"I don't usually get a go at them," said Gerrard. "Suarez has been magnificent on set-pieces but sometimes you need people to step in and I got that one.

"Suarez let me take one! He wouldn't let me take one at Cardiff, but it doesn't matter who gets the goals."

Watch the video here »