Suarez matched Robbie Fowler’s club Premier League record of 28 strikes in a season when he tore away from the Bluebirds’ defence and surged forward in acres of space with seconds remaining.
Glancing over his shoulder, the Uruguayan toyed with the onrushing David Marshall, thought about squaring to Sterling, but instead elected to curl the ball home for his treble.
It was the perfect way to end yet another mesmerising afternoon of football for Brendan Rodgers’ side – and as fans toasted a precious win, Suarez made a bee-line for Sterling.
“Maybe I could have tried for the pass to Raheem for the last goal,” Suarez told Liverpoolfc.com from the tunnel of the Cardiff City Stadium after the game.
“But I went for the hat-trick for my confidence. I apologised to Raheem. I am so happy with the match ball. I feel very good because Liverpool won the game. We are so happy with the performance today.
“It was an unbelievable match. It was like the result against Stoke City away from home, when it was 5-3. It’s difficult when you score and then Cardiff score at the other end, but we played very well today and we’ll keep going for next week.”
Written by Steve Milne
