Liverpool became the first team to win at Sunderland in the Premier League this season as Virgil van Dijk’s second-half header sealed a 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light.
First-Half Frustration For Liverpool
Liverpool dominated possession in the opening period, controlling 68% of the ball, but struggled to break down a disciplined Sunderland defence.
Florian Wirtz came closest to breaking the deadlock. The German forced a sharp save from Robin Roefs with a long-range strike, later hit the post, and saw a header kept out as the visitors increased the pressure.
Despite Liverpool’s dominance, Sunderland held firm and went into halftime level, having managed just five touches inside the Liverpool penalty area.
Van Dijk Delivers From Set Piece
The breakthrough arrived just after the hour mark from Liverpool’s 10th corner of the evening. Mohamed Salah’s delivery was met by captain Van Dijk, whose header was inadvertently helped over the line by Habib Diarra.
It was Van Dijk’s fourth goal of the season and his 23rd Premier League goal. Salah’s assist was his 92nd in the league for Liverpool, drawing him level with Steven Gerrard’s club record.
Injury Concern For Endo
Sunderland showed brief improvement after the restart, with skipper Trai Hume firing over, but they rarely threatened a Liverpool defence that became only the second side after Manchester City to keep a clean sheet against them this season.
The victory was overshadowed by an injury to Wataru Endo, who was making his first league start of the campaign at right-back. The Japanese international, who won a match-high seven duels, was carried off on a stretcher after landing awkwardly on his ankle.
“We have to wait and see, but we expect not to have him for quite a long time,” manager Arne Slot said.
Table Implications
The result, only Liverpool’s second league win of 2026, cuts the gap to fifth-placed Chelsea to two points. Sunderland remain 11th in the table.
Liverpool now hosts Brighton in the FA Cup on Saturday, while Sunderland faces Oxford United in the fourth round on Sunday.
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