Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool: Reds end the Black Cats unbeaten run at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland have been unbeaten at home this season, a run of 12 games, and it was difficult to predict that Liverpool would be the ones to end it. So out of form have Arne Slot’s side been this season.
But on Wednesday the champions did everything right, and while Sunderland maintained a low block that would have matched Jose Mourinho’s best setup, Liverpool found a way through after Virgil van Dijk’s header fortuitously bounced off Habib Diarra and into the net.
A heartbreaking loss last weekend at Anfield against Manchester City still fresh on their minds, it was vital for the Reds to get all three points here. Victory brought them within two points of Chelsea in fifth and three of Manchester United in fourth, both of whom drew this week.
But for over an hour at the Stadium of Light, having tempered a fierce start from their hosts, Liverpool knocked and knocked but the Black Cats held firm. To demonstrate: the visitors attempted as many as 20 shots on the night.
But in their 5-4-1 formation Sunderland relish the art of defending at home. Here were 10 agile men racing around the pitch and closing down their attackers, blocking and intercepting. Daniel Ballard was particularly imperious, seemingly available at every turn to shut down the attack. In goal, Robin Roefs did his bit.
Not that there were no chances in this macho affair; there were plenty for both sides. Van Dijk’s first-half header sailed over the bar; Florian Wirtz’s shot fizzed onto the post. At the other end, Nilson Angulo’s effort was claimed by Alisson; Nordi Mukiele’s shot flashed wide. Brian Brobbey always looked like he could turn around and score at any moment, but Ibrahima Konate was powerful and restricted his movements in one of the more intriguing battles on the pitch.
In the second period the visitors cranked the heat up to its highest level, and then Sunderland’s fallibility showed. Mohamed Salah’s 1000th corner was headed goalward by Van Dijk and then unwittingly helped into the roof of the net by Diarra.
The hosts flew out and switched from defensive into attacking gear. And now here was another test for Slot’s side. They had to show they were capable of holding onto a lead, something they have been miserable at all season.
Konate showed power to deny Brobbey right in front of goal; Trai Hume’s follow up was blocked; Nordi Mukiele dinked past two players and flashed a shot over the bar in some of Sunderland’s most promising attacking moments.
Liverpool held firm and should have extended the lead late on. Andy Robertson’s sublime cross was wastefully directed just inches wide of the left hand post by Hugo Ekitike. Curtis Jones fired over from 10 yards. Salah had a chance to score his first league goal since November but his shot was just on the wrong side of the post.
