Yossi Benayoun struck his second goal in a week to help Liverpool back to winning ways in the 2-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland at Anfield on Tuesday night.

Benayoun, who was surprisingly left out in the 2-0 defeat against Middleborough slotted home after Martin Fulop fumbled David Ngog’s hooked cross.

The delighted Israeli admitted the Reds were discouraged by their unexpected weekend defeat and badly needed to get the better of another north-east team back on their home patch.

“I’m happy with the goal, but the most important thing is the points,” Benayoun said after a win which took his team up to within four points of leaders Manchester United - who nonetheless have two games in hand.

“After we lost against Middlesbrough, it was important to come back to winning ways. Now we have time to think about Real Madrid in the Champions League next week.

“We expected to beat Middlesbrough - but we did a job tonight.And now it is important for everyone to show the supporters - even if it is not to win the league but to finish second and do our best.”

The game also starred another Israeli in Sunderland’s Tal Ben Haim, who was making his third appearance for his new club after signing from Manchester City. Ben Haim and Benayoun continue to show the growing success of Israeli footballers making it to the Premier League and playing at the highest standard.