Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, with Virgil van Dijk’s second-half header proving decisive after a resilient defensive display from the hosts.
Heavy rain and difficult conditions made for a scrappy start, as Sunderland pressed high and tried to use Brian Brobbey as their focal point.
The striker frequently tested Ibrahima Konate, but the Liverpool defender coped well, including a crucial block after Brobbey met a cross from Nordi Mukiele.
Liverpool gradually settled and began to dictate possession. Florian Wirtz was the most threatening player in the opening half, forcing goalkeeper Roefs into a smart save with a curling effort from distance.
Soon after, he found space in the box but struck the base of the post with a low shot. Roefs was called into action again to keep out Wirtz’s header from a Mohamed Salah cross.
Despite Liverpool’s growing pressure, Sunderland remained compact and organised.
Daniel Ballard and Omar Alderete dealt with a series of corners, while at the other end Alisson had to react quickly to smother an awkward bouncing effort from Angulo.
A physical duel between Brobbey and Konate sparked penalty appeals before the break, but the referee waved play on, leaving the sides level at half-time.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Liverpool dominating the ball but struggling to break down Sunderland’s deep defensive block.
The hosts still carried a threat on the counter, as Mukiele fired just wide and Konate once again denied Brobbey inside the area.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 61st minute. Salah delivered a dangerous corner from the right, and Van Dijk rose highest to glance a header goalwards. Habib Diarra tried to clear off the line but could not stop the ball from crossing, handing Liverpool the lead.
Sunderland responded by pushing forward, almost equalising during a goalmouth scramble. Wataru Endo also suffered an ankle injury while blocking a shot and was replaced by Joe Gomez.
The home side increased the tempo late on. Substitute Romaine Mundle drove into the box and appealed for a penalty after contact with Alexis Mac Allister, but the referee was unmoved.
Liverpool still had chances to put the game beyond reach. Hugo Ekitike headed wide from a Wirtz cross, while Salah later volleyed narrowly past the post after a loose ball dropped inside the area.
In the end, Van Dijk’s header proved enough, as Liverpool claimed a vital three points to strengthen their push for a Champions League place.
