Liverpool claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, becoming the first side to defeat the hosts on their home ground in the Premier League this season.
The breakthrough came just after the hour mark when Virgil van Dijk rose highest to meet Mohamed Salah’s corner.
The powerful header beat everyone in the box, and despite Habib Diarra’s attempt to clear it off the line, the ball crossed into the net to hand Liverpool the lead.
Arne Slot’s men controlled much of the contest, particularly in the opening half where they dominated possession and dictated the tempo. Florian Wirtz was at the centre of Liverpool’s attacking moves and came close on several occasions.
He tested goalkeeper Robin Roefs with a long-range strike, hit the post from inside the area, and also saw a header saved. Sunderland, however, remained disciplined at the back to keep the game level at the break.
The home side showed more intent after halftime, with captain Trai Hume trying his luck from distance, but clear-cut chances were limited. Liverpool’s persistence eventually paid off from a set-piece, their tenth corner of the evening producing the decisive moment.
There was concern for Liverpool when Wataru Endo suffered an ankle injury shortly after the goal.
The Japanese international, making his first league start of the campaign, had impressed with his defensive work before being stretchered off. Joe Gomez came on as his replacement.
The win marks only Liverpool’s second league success of 2026 and keeps them sixth in the standings, now just two points behind fifth-placed Chelsea. Sunderland sit 11th, six points adrift of the Merseyside club.
Van Dijk’s strike further strengthened his record as Liverpool’s highest-scoring defender in Premier League history, while Salah’s assist saw him draw level with Steven Gerrard for the club’s most assists in the competition.
Liverpool also became just the second team this season to prevent Sunderland from scoring at home.
Both teams now turn their focus to FA Cup action, with Sunderland set to visit Oxford United and Liverpool preparing to host Brighton.
