Liverpool's top-4 hopes hit by loss at Sunderland

Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner scored a second-half winner as Sunderland beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Premier League on Saturday, further denting the visitors' fading hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Fraizer Campbell's low shot came off the post, hit Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina on his head and rebounded back onto the goal frame, allowing Bendtner to crash home.

Liverpool was poor throughout, barely troubling Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, and is now 10 points adrift of fourth-place Arsenal and Chelsea, who are level on points in the fight for the final Champions League place.

Bendtner was carried off on a stretcher in the 83rd after clashing with Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel.