Liverpool's senior team may struggle with second halves, but the U21's and Luis Alberto showed how to deliver.
The new reds midfielder has been a periphery figure so far in the first team, but did his credentials no harm whatsoever with a hat-trick in a fine comeback at Anfield.
A strong looking Liverpool U21 side were staring down the barrel of defeat against the U21 Premier League Leaders as Sunderland went 2-0 ahead in the first half.
But just before the half time whistle, Jack Dunn grabbed a goal back for Liverpool - latching on to a cross from Martin Kelly.
Liverpool flew out of the blocks in the second half and within 7 minutes had restored parity - Alberto powering forward before a quick movement with Sterling and Alberto levelled.
Moments later and Sterling put the reds ahead for the first time in the game, thanks to good work from Jordan Ibe.
The reds went down to 10 men when Lloyd Jones was given a red card for what appeared to be a headbutt - not clever under the watchful eye of Brendan Rodgers who was in attendance.
Ten men Liverpool though were just as impressive.
In the 70th minute Alberto scored his second, and the reds 4th. He latched on to a pass with precision control before shooting at the Sunderland keeper. The ball was parried back to him and he made no mistake second time around.
In the final ten minutes the speed and trickery of Raheem Sterling (who had taken part in a Premier League game the evening before) caused Sunderland to give away a penalty, and Alberto stepped up to complete his hat-trick.
A good comeback for Liverpool, a good second half hat-trick for Alberto and a decent enough outing for new boy Tiago Ilori in the reds side.
The reds take on Southampton on Saturday, and Alberto and Sterling have done themselves no harm in giving Rodgers some food for thought.
Gotta be a better bet than our number 21 , who adds nothing , Sure’s up the defence ? Don’t make me laugh its like playing with a man short .