Virgil van Dijk scored the game’s only goal just after the hour mark, and Liverpool escaped the Stadium of Light with a supremely well-earned victory: 1-0 over Sunderland, the scrappy Black Cats’ first home defeat all season.
WATCH — Sunderland v Liverpool full match replay
After winning just one of their last seven Premier League games, the Reds were in danger of falling away from the top-five race (UEFA Champions League qualification), should their slide continue. They had most of the ball and virtually all of the game’s best scoring chances, but it was a slog nonetheless. Van Dijk eventually levitated at the back post and headed home Mohamed Salah’s corner kick in the 61st minute.
The victory puts Liverpool (6th place, 42 points) just two points behind 5th-place Chelsea, with 12 games left to play, after the Blues drew Leeds 2-2 on Tuesday. Sunderland (36 points) are down to 11th after winning just two of their last 10 PL games.
What’s next?
- Liverpool vs Brighton — Saturday, 3 pm ET (FA Cup)
- Oxford United vs Liverpool — Sunday, 9 am ET (FA Cup)
- Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool — Sunday, Feb. 22, 9 am ET (next PL fixture)
- Sunderland vs Fulham — Sunday, Feb. 22, 9 am ET (next PL fixture)
Sunderland vs Liverpool live updates - by Andy Edwards
Sunderland vs Liverpool final score: 0-1
Goalscorers: Virgil van Dijk (61')
GOAL! Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool: Van Dijk heads home Salah’s corner kick (61')
Sunderland starting XI
Roefs - Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo - Sadiki, Le Fee, Hume, Angulo - Diarra, Brobbey
Liverpool starting XI
Alisson - Endo, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson - Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz - Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike
How to watch Sunderland vs Liverpool live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 3:15pm ET Wednesday
Venue: Stadium of Light — Sunderland
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock
The Reds threw away a late lead at home to heated rivals Manchester City on Sunday, losing ground in the top-five chase and losing Dominik Szoboszlai to a late red card. The loss leaves them four points back of fifth and five back of fourth with 13 matches left in the Premier League season.
Sunderland, meanwhile, continue a surprising promotion campaign which has them on 36 points, 13 points clear of the bottom three and a win behind Liverpool as an unlikely qualification for Europe is still on the cards. The Black Cats have a number of good results on their resume under Regis Le Bris including a 1-1 draw with the Reds at Anfield in early December. They’ve alternated wins with losses over the past five matches and are looking to rebound from a 3-0 loss at Arsenal with this tricky visit from Liverpool.
Sunderland team news, focus
OUT: Jocelin Ta Bi (ankle), Granit Xhaka (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Bertrand Traore (knee)
Liverpool team news, focus
OUT: Dominik Szoboszlai (suspension), Jeremie Frimpong (thigh), Conor Bradley (knee), Alexander Isak (broken leg - MORE), Giovanni Leoni (knee - MORE) | QUESTIONABLE: Joe Gomez (groin)
Sunderland vs Liverpool prediction
The Reds are heavy favorites and if they should have no problem collecting a win if they mimic their performance from the weekend against Man City. However, it’s on Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk to rally their men and also deal with a thoroughly ravaged back line. Sunderland 1-3 Liverpool.
