The England striker netted Liverpool’s second goal of the game at Anfield three minutes into the second half after captain Steven Gerrard had given the hosts a 39th-minute lead with a fine free-kick.
Sturridge’s goal meant that he and Luis Suarez have now both scored 20 league goals this season -- the first time two Liverpool strikers have achieved that feat since Ian St John and Roger Hunt in the 1963-64 campaign.
Sunderland pulled a goal back through South Korean midfielder Ki Sung-yueng to ensure a tense finale, but Liverpool held their nerve to record a seventh successive league win.
The victory enabled the Reds to regain second spot in the table, a point behind leaders Chelsea, although Manchester City -- two points back in third place -- have two games in hand on the teams above them.
West Ham beat Hull
ANFIELD: West Ham United eased their Premier League relegation fears by snapping a run of three consecutive defeats with a 2-1 victory at home to Hull City on Wednesday.
Hull were reduced to 10 men mid-way through the first half when goalkeeper Allan McGregor was sent off for a foul on Mohamed Diame, with Mark Noble putting West Ham ahead from the resulting penalty.
Nikica Jelavic equalised early in the second half, only for an unfortunate own goal by Hull defender James Chester in the 54th minute to gift West Ham all three points.Victory saw West Ham leapfrog their opponents in the table.
Sturridge’s goal meant that he and Luis Suarez have now both scored 20 league goals this season -- the first time two Liverpool strikers have achieved that feat since Ian St John and Roger Hunt in the 1963-64 campaign.
Sunderland pulled a goal back through South Korean midfielder Ki Sung-yueng to ensure a tense finale, but Liverpool held their nerve to record a seventh successive league win.
The victory enabled the Reds to regain second spot in the table, a point behind leaders Chelsea, although Manchester City -- two points back in third place -- have two games in hand on the teams above them.
West Ham beat Hull
ANFIELD: West Ham United eased their Premier League relegation fears by snapping a run of three consecutive defeats with a 2-1 victory at home to Hull City on Wednesday.
Hull were reduced to 10 men mid-way through the first half when goalkeeper Allan McGregor was sent off for a foul on Mohamed Diame, with Mark Noble putting West Ham ahead from the resulting penalty.
Nikica Jelavic equalised early in the second half, only for an unfortunate own goal by Hull defender James Chester in the 54th minute to gift West Ham all three points.Victory saw West Ham leapfrog their opponents in the table.