Liverpool edged past Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light, with Virgil van Dijk’s second-half header enough to separate the sides after a stubborn defensive performance from the hosts.
In difficult, wet conditions, the opening stages were scrappy rather than free-flowing. Sunderland pressed aggressively and looked to use Brian Brobbey as an outlet, frequently testing Ibrahima Konate in direct duels.
The French defender handled the early threat well, notably tracking Brobbey to block a close-range attempt after a Mukiele cross.
Liverpool gradually assumed more control of the game. Florian Wirtz was the visitors’ most inventive player in the first half and came close on multiple occasions.
His curling strike from distance forced a sharp save from goalkeeper Roefs, and shortly afterwards, he found space inside the penalty area only to see a low effort strike the base of the post.
Roefs was called into action again when he denied Wirtz’s header from a Mohamed Salah delivery.
Despite Liverpool’s pressure, Sunderland remained organised at the back. Daniel Ballard and Omar Alderete repeatedly cleared a succession of corners, while Alisson was also required to react quickly at the other end to stop an Angulo effort that bounced awkwardly in front of him.
A physical contest between Brobbey and Konate produced penalty appeals before the interval, but the referee waved play on and the teams went in level at half-time.
The pattern continued after the restart, Liverpool dominating possession but struggling to break through a compact defensive shape. Sunderland carried an occasional threat on the counter, with Mukiele dragging a shot narrowly wide and Brobbey again being denied by Konate’s recovery defending inside the area.
The big moment arrived in the 61st minute. Salah swung in a left-footed corner from the right and Van Dijk rose above the crowd to flick a header goalwards. Habib Diarra attempted to clear on the line but could not prevent the ball crossing, giving Liverpool the lead.
The goal changed the dynamic. Sunderland were forced forward and nearly responded immediately during a goalmouth scramble, while Wataru Endo suffered an awkward ankle injury blocking an effort and had to be replaced by Joe Gomez.
As the match moved into its final quarter, the home side increased their urgency. Substitute Romaine Mundle drove into the box, prompting appeals for a penalty after contact with Alexis Mac Allister, but nothing was awarded.
Liverpool still created chances to extend the lead. Hugo Ekitike headed wide from a Wirtz cross and Salah later volleyed narrowly past the post after the ball dropped invitingly inside the area.
#It was a crucial three points for Liverpool in the Premier League, giving them a much-needed boost in the race for the Champions League places.
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