Postmortem: Liverpool Edge Sunderland Through Van Dijk Header in Tense Win | OneFootball

Sunderland 0 – 1 Liverpool – Premier League Postmortem

By Steven Smith

After a run of Premier League turbulence that has left the reigning champions clinging to relevance rather than authority, this was a night about necessity rather than style. Sunderland, organised and overachieving, provided exactly the type of stern, low-block resistance that has troubled Liverpool all season. The Reds did not sparkle. They did not overwhelm. But they did just enough.

Three points were secured. Conviction, however, remains a separate conversation.

The Starting Eleven

Liverpool XI

• GK – Alisson Becker

• RB – Wataru Endō

• CB – Ibrahima Konaté

• CB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

• LB – Milos Kerkez

• CM – Alexis Mac Allister

• CM – Ryan Gravenberch

• CM – Florian Wirtz

• LW – Cody Gakpo

• CF – Hugo Ekitike

• RW – Mohamed Salah

Substitutes

Joe Gomez → Wataru Endō (68’)

Curtis Jones → Cody Gakpo (74’)

Federico Chiesa → Hugo Ekitike (88’)

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Goals

Sunderland 0–1 Liverpool – Virgil van Dijk (Mohamed Salah) – 60’

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Match Statistics

• Possession – Sunderland 38% | Liverpool 62%

• XG – Sunderland 0.66 | Liverpool 1.95

• Total Shots – Sunderland 11 | Liverpool 23

• Fouls – Sunderland 8 | Liverpool 10

• Corners – Sunderland 3 | Liverpool 11

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First Half

Anfield’s wounded champions arrived at the Stadium of Light knowing that anything less than victory would intensify scrutiny around Arne Slot. From the outset, Liverpool dominated territory and possession, pinning Sunderland deep inside their own half. The ball moved with reasonable speed, though not always with incision.

Photo IMAGO

Florian Wirtz was the clear instigator. Twice in the opening period he tested the Sunderland goalkeeper — one venomous effort tipped smartly to the right, another crashing back off the upright. Around him, Ryan Gravenberch carried possession progressively, while Alexis Mac Allister attempted to dictate tempo without ever fully asserting control.

Sunderland’s threat was limited but not absent. Their transitions were direct and physical, forcing Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk into several forceful interventions. Alisson Becker was largely untested before the break, yet the warning signs were there: dominance without a goal leaves room for danger.

Liverpool entered half-time frustrated but superior.

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Second Half

The restart brought urgency but also a creeping tension. Sunderland emerged with greater aggression, stepping higher and contesting second balls with increased belief. This was no longer a passive defensive display; it was a contest.

The breakthrough arrived on 60 minutes. A Mohamed Salah corner was delivered with precision, and Virgil van Dijk rose imperiously above his marker to power home a commanding header. It was a captain’s goal in every sense — forceful, authoritative, decisive.

Yet rather than settle the visitors, the lead seemed to invite anxiety. Sunderland pushed forward with renewed energy, launching direct balls and forcing Liverpool’s back line to retreat deeper than it should have. Konaté was outstanding in these moments, winning duels and clearing danger repeatedly. Van Dijk’s vocal presence ensured the organisation remained intact.

Sunderland, England, 11th February 2026. Liverpool during the Sunderland vs Liverpool Premier League match at the Stadium Of Light, Sunderland. Picture credit should read: Nigel Roddis / Sportimage EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. SPI_005_NR_SUND_LIVE SPI-4522-0005

Endō’s injury forced Joe Gomez into action, while Curtis Jones was introduced to add midfield control. Federico Chiesa’s late cameo was largely functional as Liverpool sought to run down the clock rather than extend their advantage.

The final stages were uncomfortable, but professional.

Final Thoughts

Liverpool finished with the result they required, not necessarily the performance they desired. The statistical dominance — 62% possession, 23 shots, 11 corners — suggests control. The eye test suggests fragility.

This was a scraped victory built on defensive resilience and a moment of set-piece excellence. In seasons past, such nights were routine. Now, they feel significant.

The pressure has not disappeared, but for now, it has been postponed.

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Steven Smith’s Pre-Match Prediction:

Sunderland 1 – 2 Liverpool