A brace of penalties from the brilliant Steven Gerrard helped Liverpool to reclaim top spot in the Premier League standings as they saw off West Ham 2-1 at Upton Park on Sunday evening.
Gerrard
Gerrard celebrates his second goal from penalty spot
The Visitors went ahead two minutes before the break when Steven Gerrard slotted home from the penalty spot after James Tomkins had handled the ball in the area.
But Guy Demel tapped in equalizer for West Ham from three yards in first-half stoppage time despite a clear foul on Reds goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Liverpool captain Gerrard added the second to regain the lead for his side after break with another penalty which was another contentious decision, with referee Anthony Taylor deciding Jon Flanagan had been fouled by Adrian.
The result took the Merseysiders back to the top of the Barclays Premier League table, two points above Chelsea and four ahead of trophy rivals Manchester City, who have played two games less and head to Anfield next Sunday.
Match facts
West Ham (4-2-3-1): Adrian, Demel, Reid, Tomkins, Armero, Noble, Taylor (Jarvis 78), Diame (Cole 85), Nolan (Nocerino 68), Downing, Carroll.
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, C Cole, J Cole, Potts, Johnson.
Booked: Tomkins, Adrian, Nocerino, Armero.
Goals: Demel 45.
Liverpool: Mignolet , Johnson , Skrtel , Sakho, Flanagan , Henderson , Gerrard , Coutinho (Lucas 45), Suarez , Sterling , Sturridge (Toure 85).
Subs not used: Jones, Toure, Cissokho, Moses, Allen, Aspas.
Goals: Gerrard (pen) 44, (pen) 71
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 34,977
Sokka.