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Daniel Sturridge admitted his pride at reaching a “special” milestone was magnified by the importance of the victory after Liverpool beat Sunderland 2-1 at Anfield.

The England striker celebrated his 20 league goal of the campaign as the title-chasing Reds clinched a seventh successive league win.

Brendan Rodgers' side climbed back into second place in the Premier League – just one point adrift of leaders Chelsea.

With Luis Suarez already on 28 league goals, it's the first time since Roger Hunt and Ian St John were leading the line 50 years ago that Liverpool have had two players reach the 20-goal mark in the same season.

“It's special but the success of the team is more important to me,” Sturridge told the ECHO.

“It's not about myself. I'm just giving God the glory for all that's happening in my life and I'm thankful to God for giving me this opportunity.

“It was great to get the three points – that's the most important thing at this stage of the season.

“We just need to continue working hard as a team and keep getting the job done. We're all trying our best to do our jobs for the team.”

Steven Gerrard's free-kick opened the scoring before the break and when Sturridge struck in front of the Kop early in the second half the Reds appeared to be cruising.

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However, substitute Ki Sung-Yeung halved the deficit and Liverpool endured a nervy finale with John O'Shea missing a late chance to rescue a point for Gus Poyet's side.

It was far from convincing but Sturridge insists the result was everything.

“It wasn't easy,” he said. “It never is when a team defends so deep and puts so many bodies behind the ball.

“But in the first half we were patient and we worked hard to break them down.

“Our back four defended really well. They were fantastic. You have to grind results out sometimes.

“You have to do the dirty things to get the result you want and we got there in the end.”

Victory keeps dreams of title glory alive but Sturridge says the Reds are simply focused on Sunday's home clash with Tottenham.

“I don't get too excited,” Sturridge said.

“It's important to take each game as it comes.

“There are seven games to go and they will all be difficult. They will all be different in their own way.

“We can't worry about the opposition. We just need to worry about ourselves and try to play our football as best as we can.”