Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1–0 win away at Sunderland, handing the hosts their first home league defeat of the season.
It was a game that required patience and control from Liverpool. They dominated possession for long spells but had to work tirelessly to break down a disciplined and energetic Sunderland side.
From the start, Liverpool looked calmer and more purposeful on the ball, trying to stretch Sunderland’s defense. The home side, however, stayed compact and organized, limiting clear chances and forcing Liverpool to rely on long-range efforts and set pieces.
Florian Wirtz was Liverpool’s main attacking spark in the first half. He forced a strong save from goalkeeper Robin Roefs with a powerful shot from distance and later hit the post with a clever left-footed effort after creating space inside the box.
Despite controlling the game and winning several corners and free-kicks in dangerous areas, Liverpool couldn’t find a breakthrough before half-time. Sunderland’s defensive discipline kept the score level going into the break.
After the restart, Sunderland showed more attacking intent and pushed further up the pitch in an attempt to unsettle Liverpool. Still, they struggled to create clear chances against a well-organized visiting defense.
Liverpool eventually made their pressure count just after the hour mark. The winning goal came from a corner delivered by Mohamed Salah into a crowded six-yard box. The ball caused confusion among Sunderland’s defenders, and Virgil van Dijk rose highest to power a header goalward.
In the chaos that followed, Habib Diarra, under pressure near the line, accidentally turned the ball into his own net, giving Liverpool the lead.
For the first time at home in the league this season, Sunderland were behind. They pushed forward in search of an equalizer but couldn’t carve out clear opportunities. Liverpool stayed compact and disciplined, managing the final stages of the match well to protect their advantage.
There was a setback for Liverpool late on, as Wataru Endo — who had put in a solid shift at right-back — suffered an ankle injury and had to be carried off the pitch.
Even so, it was an important three points for Arne Slot’s side, boosting their position in the table and narrowing the gap to fourth-placed Manchester United and fifth-placed Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification.
