Virgil van Dijk scored the winner as Liverpool beat Sunderland 1-0 away, ending the hosts’ unbeaten home run and cutting the gap to the top four.
Liverpool started with authority at the Stadium of Light and quickly settled into their rhythm. They dominated possession and pushed Sunderland deep from the opening minutes. The visitors moved the ball sharply through midfield, with Florian Wirtz heavily involved. Sunderland stayed compact and focused on limiting space. Clear chances were scarce despite Liverpool’s control.
The first real opening arrived midway through the first half. Wirtz struck powerfully from outside the area, forcing Robin Roefs into a sharp save. Minutes later, the German midfielder hit the post after wriggling into space inside the box. Liverpool continued to probe from wide areas. Sunderland defended bravely to reach half time level at 0-0.
The hosts returned with greater energy following the interval. Trai Hume fired over after a quick transition move down the right. That brief spell lifted the crowd and stretched Liverpool’s shape. However, the visitors soon regained control and forced Sunderland back. Corners began to mount as pressure increased.
The breakthrough came just after the hour mark. Mohamed Salah whipped in a dangerous inswinging corner from the right. Virgil van Dijk rose highest and directed his header goalwards. Habib Diarra, stationed on the line, could only help the ball over. Liverpool had a deserved 1-0 lead.
Liverpool looked comfortable after scoring and slowed the tempo. Sunderland struggled to create clear openings against a well-organised defence. A worrying moment followed when Wataru Endo landed awkwardly and was stretchered off. Joe Gomez replaced him as Liverpool reshuffled. The visitors remained composed despite the disruption.
Liverpool finished with 68 percent possession and 23 shots overall. Three of those efforts were on target, enough to secure victory. Sunderland tested Alisson only twice throughout the match. The Black Cats had managed just five touches in Liverpool’s box before the break. It was a clear reflection of territorial control.
Van Dijk led from the back and delivered again in the opposition area. Wirtz pulled the strings and was unlucky not to score. Salah’s set piece quality proved decisive despite a quiet night otherwise. Alisson marked his 250th Premier League appearance with a calm display. Sunderland worked hard but lacked a cutting edge.
The win was only Liverpool’s second league victory of 2026. Arne Slot’s side remain sixth but cut the gap to fifth placed Chelsea to two points and three points to fourth placed Manchester United. Liverpool also became the first team to win at Sunderland this season. The result ended the hosts’ 14 match unbeaten home run. Sunderland stay 11th, six points behind the visitors.
Sunderland travel to Oxford United in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday. Liverpool host Brighton in the same competition on Saturday evening. Both sides then return to league action with momentum at stake. For Liverpool, consistency now becomes the key focus in a run of fixtures that will see them play Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Wolves, Tottenham and Brighon.
