Liverpool initially played courageously up front in Sunderland, but struggled with efficiency. After the break and taking the lead, the Reds once again parked the famous bus in front of their own penalty area. In the end, the strategy paid off: Liverpool won 1-0, handing the Black Cats their first home defeat of the current season.
After their clear and decisive 3-0 defeat at Arsenal, Sunderland must have been delighted to be back at their home ground, the Stadium of Light, especially as the Black Cats were the only team in the league without a home defeat. Determined to keep it that way against Liverpool, manager Regis Le Bris brought on Angulo for Talbi on the left. Midfielder Xhaka was still out with injury. Coach Arne Slot put his faith in Endo as a replacement for the Hungarian, while the 47-year-old also left Szoboszlai’s compatriot Kerkez on the bench and brought Robertson into the starting lineup.
Wirtz again and again
In sporting terms, the first half hour was one to forget. Both teams fought hard, but there was a yawning silence in attack. Sunderland waited for counterattacks but hardly ever crossed the halfway line, while the Reds lacked the ideas to overcome the Black Cats’ defense, which at times had nine men (!) in and around their own penalty area. It was Wirtz who took control and heralded a period of pressure from the visitors with a powerful long-range shot into the arms of Roefs (30′).
The Reds increased the tempo and effectively pinned Sunderland back. The problem was that the ball just wouldn’t go in: Wirtz was unlucky with a shot that hit the post (33′), van Dijk was blocked by Alderete (36′), and Wirtz’s header landed in Roef’s arms after Ballard’s mistake (38′). A minute later, Angulo had the hosts’ first shot on goal, but it wasn’t really dangerous. So the game remained goalless at halftime.
The second half started in a similar vein to the first, but this time a goal was scored—and it came from a set piece: From a corner on the right, van Dijk headed the ball towards the left corner from six meters out, and Diarra, standing on the line, deflected it with his head. The goal was credited to Liverpool’s defensive ace – and from then on, the Dutchman was called upon more and more in his main role.
Endo forced off with injury
While the Reds had taken the initiative in the first half and were literally in control, this was no longer the case after the opening goal. Liverpool retreated more and more and concentrated on defense, which suffered another setback in the 69th minute: Endo got caught in the turf during a defensive action and apparently injured his ankle. The Japanese player had to come off, so Gomez, who had returned to training on Tuesday after an injury break, came on.
Sunderland fought with all their might against their impending first home defeat, increasing the pressure and running with the courage of desperation. However, there were no noteworthy finishes from the Black Cats. It was a different story for Liverpool, where Ekitiké missed a great chance to seal the win when he headed just wide from an excellent position (78′). It remained exciting until the end, but Liverpool ultimately took the three points back to Anfield.
After the league comes the FA Cup, which awaits both teams this weekend: Sunderland will be away to second-tier Oxford United on Sunday (3 p.m.), while Liverpool FC will host Brighton and Hove Albion the day before (9 p.m.).
