Suarez - fresh from signing a new long-term deal with the club – was once again named captain of a side which was unchanged from last weekend’s thumping of Tottenham Hotspur and the Uruguayan certainly put on a captain’s display, helping himself to a brace to take his season tally to 19 goals in 12 games.
Prior to kick-off all talk surrounded Malky Mackay’s precarious position as Cardiff boss, and travelling Bluebirds’ fans voiced their support by lambasting the club’s controversial owner Vincent Tan.
That vocal backing seemed to inspire Cardiff, who started brightly, but Liverpool quickly assumed control of proceedings.
The home side slowly turned the screw and were soon deservedly ahead through none other than Suarez. After picking the ball up just outside the Cardiff area he danced his way past two defenders, before spreading the ball out to in-form Henderson, who returned a delightful chip for the striker to volley into the bottom corner.
The goal gave Liverpool added impetus, but they struggled to capitalise as Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling and Martin Skrtel missed opportunities to increase their lead.
Cardiff’s defence stood strong, but as half-time approached they couldn’t withstand the pressure and soon Liverpool doubled their lead. Another wonderful through-ball from Henderson put Suarez in on goal, but instead of slotting past David Marshall, he selflessly squared it to Sterling to stroke into an empty net for his third goal in four games.
On the stroke of half-time the contest was all-but over as Suarez doubled his own tally. A brilliant back-heel from Henderson gave Suarez enough space to bend his shot into the far corner.
The second-half was a comparatively quiet affair, and although Liverpool took their foot off the pedal, they remained in complete control of the game.
A slight lapse in defensive concentration from Brendan Rodgers’ side gifted Jordan Mutch a far-post header to pull one back for Cardiff, but it proved nothing more than a small blot on the copy-book for Liverpool.
As the clock ticked down, Suarez looked to cap off another tremendous performance with a hat-trick goal, but first the upright and then David Marshall denied him from close range.
It mattered little though, and while Mackay’s future as Cardiff boss looks ever-bleaker, Liverpool will be rejoicing their ascent to the summit once more.
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