Streets outside Anfield fill with flags and red smoke as Rodgers' men arrive for game that could see them go second - a point behind leaders Chelsea
Excited Liverpool fans have tempted fate by greeting their heroes for Wednesday's home match against Sunderland like champions.
The Reds would be just a point behind Premier League leaders Chelsea with the anticipated victory over the relegation-threatened Wearsiders, and fears the supporters waving flags and letting off red flares were counting their chickens loomed as the match stayed goalless with half-time looming.
But a superb Steven Gerrard free-kick relieved the growing tension, and Daniel Sturridge added a second goal early in the second half.