Liverpool get the second half under way.

Sunderland skipper Lee Cattermole holds an impromptu teamtalk in the tunnel, forcing a couple of Liverpool players to squeeze through to get back onto the pitch. A tad awkward.

Second half under way shortly.

Image source, Opta

Lots of Liverpool possession, but not enough cutting edge in front of goal. Christian Benteke has been largely anonymous.

Meanwhile, over in Spain, this chap has just scored for Barcelona...

Image source, Getty Images

If you want to read about some goals, head on over here.

Danny Mills
BBC Radio 5 live at the Stadium of Light

"There have been some good have chances but Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone has made a couple of great saves.

"Sunderland have battled better but they need to get higher up the pitch. Liverpool need composure and quality in the final third."

The whistle goes, with neither side able to find the breakthrough.

Vito Mannone produced the save of the game, maybe even of the season, to deny Roberto Firmino, otherwise, a largely forgettable 45 minutes of football.

Danny Mills
BBC Radio 5 live at the Stadium of Light

Image source, Getty Images

"Liverpool played the better football but Sunderland are trying to make it into a scrap. That is exactly what manager Sam Allardyce would want. Players who fight and scratch so they don't lose."

Two minutes of time added on and I am surprised this half is set to end goalless. 

How much will Liverpool rue some wasteful finishing?

Sunderland survive after some shocking defending. 

Roberto Firmino plays a low corner into the area and no-one picks up Jordan Henderson's run. Fortunately for the Black Cats, the Liverpool midfielder's shot is blocked.

Image source, Getty Images

...Liverpool have lined up pretty much a 10-man wall but they needn't have bothered as Adam Johnson launches the ball over the bar. Terrible.

Good chance for Sunderland now as Mamadou Sakho produces some amateurish defending, taking the legs of Jermain Defoe just outside the area.

Free-kick for Sunderland...

Danny Mills
BBC Radio 5 live at the Stadium of Light

Image source, reu

"Sunderland are growing in confidence a touch. The introduction of Duncan Watmore has given them a lift, he gives them energy and he will chase lost causes. It pushes Sunderland up the pitch."

This game may be goalless, but it has not been without chances and Roberto Firmino has another one as he is left unmarked to meet a cross eight yards out. He heads powerfully towards goal, but too close to Vito Mannone.

Image source, Getty Images

Duncan Watmore's introduction has suddenly injected some life into Sunderland. 

They have a great chance as Patrick van Aanholt picks out Fabio Borini inside the area, he turns Dejan Lovren far too easily before shooting just wide of the far post.

Great determination from Duncan Watmore. 

He is straight into the thick of things, racing down the right flank with the ball. He is tackled, but then chases Nathaniel Clyne halfway round the pitch before getting a tackle of his own in. 

Huge cheers from the home crowd. They love that kind of commitment.

Danny Mills
BBC Radio 5 live at the Stadium of Light

"Jack Rodwell has some kind of injury. With Duncan Watmore coming on, it is interesting where he will play. He has a strange running style but is quick and direct.

"Sunderland will be looking at someone like Andy Carroll in the transfer window so that Jermain Defoe can run off them.

"You can see the success two strikers up front have had this season with Leicester and Watford."

Image source, Reuters

Big Sam doesn't need this. Sunderland are forced into an early change as Jack Rodwell picks up an injury. He is replaced by Duncan Watmore, who has scored three goals this season.

Oh what a goal this would have been!

Once again, Liverpool shoot from distance, Roberto Firmino producing some fancy footwork 25 yards from goal before firing towards the far corner. It is in all the way until the outstretched fingers of Vito Mannone push the ball onto the post. 

Great save. 

Look at this, the Liverpool players are literally lining up in the Sunderland half. Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet may as well put his feet up for now.

Look at Jermain Defoe (18) too. He is playing high up the pitch and Sunderland's tactic is clear - pump the ball long and hope Defoe can create something from nothing.

Image source, Opta