Van Dijk header ends Sunderland’s unbeaten home run | OneFootball

Liverpool earned a hard-earned 1-0 victory at Sunderland to hand the hosts their first home league defeat of the season.

The visitors dictated the tempo for long spells but were forced to bide their time against a compact and energetic Sunderland side.

Florian Wirtz was Liverpool’s main attacking spark in the opening period, first drawing a sharp save from Robin Roefs with a powerful effort from range before clipping the post with a clever left-footed strike inside the box.

Despite their dominance and a steady stream of set-pieces, the visitors went into the break still level.

The Black Cats showed more intent after half-time, yet it was Liverpool who found the breakthrough just past the hour. Mohamed Salah’s corner caused chaos in the six-yard area, and Virgil Van Dijk’s header was diverted over the line by Habib Diarra under pressure.

The hosts pushed for a response but struggled to carve out clear openings. Liverpool stayed organised in the closing stages, though the win was slightly overshadowed by Wataru Endo being carried off with an ankle injury after an assured performance filling in at right-back.

It was a significant three points on the road for Arne Slot’s side, as they close the gap on fourth-placed Manchester United and fifth-placed Chelsea in the race for the Champions League spots.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

9':

Missed opportunity. Ibrahima Konaté of Liverpool attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area.

31':

Opportunity wasted! Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool had a header from close range but sent it over the bar. The assist came from Cody Gakpo, who delivered a cross following a corner kick.

50':

Missed opportunity. Trai Hume from Sunderland took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area.

Sunderland 0, Liverpool 1. Virgil van Dijk scores for Liverpool, heading the ball from close range into the top left corner of the net. The assist came from Mohamed Salah, who delivered a precise cross following a corner kick.

61':

GOAL Liverpool: Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool) scores!

Virgil Van Dijk scores goal number 2 in the competition (26 matches) Virgil Van Dijk scores goal number 33 for his team (356 matches)

71':

Opportunity wasted. Hugo Ekitiké of Liverpool took a right-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box, but it sailed over the goal.

72':

Missed opportunity! Trai Hume of Sunderland heads the ball from the center of the box, but it narrowly misses the target. The assist came from Reinildo Mandava.

76':

Missed opportunity! Nordi Mukiele from Sunderland took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area.

78':

Opportunity wasted. Hugo Ekitiké of Liverpool attempted a header from the middle of the penalty area after a quick counterattack.

90 +3':

Missed opportunity! Dan Ballard from Sunderland attempted a header from the center of the box but couldn't find the target. The cross was delivered by Lutsharel Geertruida.

90 +7':

Missed opportunity. Mohamed Salah from Liverpool attempted a right-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match