Recap

Liverpool Edge Sunderland 1-0: Van Dijk Header Ends Black Cats’ Home Unbeaten Streak

In a tightly contested Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light, Liverpool secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Sunderland thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s second-half header, snapping the hosts’ impressive 12-game unbeaten run at home.

The match, played on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, saw Arne Slot’s side bounce back from a late defeat to Manchester City, moving three points clear of the top four chase while dealing a blow to Sunderland’s mid-table ambitions.

First Half: Chances Shared in Cagey Encounter

Sunderland started with energy, pressuring Liverpool’s defense early on. Alisson Becker was called into action twice in quick succession, first saving from Trai Hume’s cross and then tipping over a deep free-kick from Robin Roefs.

The Black Cats, sitting ninth with a 9-9-8 record and 36 points, introduced deadline-day signing Nilson Angulo for his full debut, making one change to their lineup. Angulo quickly involved himself, threading a pass to Nordi Mukiele on the right flank. Mukiele whipped in a dangerous cross, but Ibrahima Konaté’s solid defending denied Brian Brobbey a clear connection.

Liverpool, who made two alterations with Wataru Endo and Andy Robertson replacing Milos Kerkez and the suspended Dominik Szoboszlai, gradually grew into the game. The Reds cleared good deliveries into their area as they built momentum.

The best chance of the half fell to Florian Wirtz. After a neat exchange with Ryan Gravenberch, the German’s strike was blocked by Sunderland’s Ballard, but earlier, Wirtz had rattled the post with a promising effort, coming closest to breaking the deadlock.

Mohamed Salah tested Roefs with a corner that was tipped away, while at the other end, Mukiele latched onto a loose ball and charged down the right, only to fire wide. Salah responded immediately, his shot turned behind by Reinildo Mandava.

Hugo Ekitike lifted a Salah cross over the bar, and Trai Hume nodded over for the hosts as the half ended goalless, with both sides probing but lacking clinical finishing.

Second Half: Van Dijk Strikes, Liverpool Hold Firm

Sunderland came out strongly after the break, enjoying the upper hand initially. Trai Hume and Nordi Mukiele both fired off target, testing Alisson’s resolve.

Wirtz had another opportunity, seeing a header smothered by Roefs just before halftime, but the momentum shifted decisively in the 61st minute.

Salah, persistent throughout, saw an initial attempt deflected behind for a corner. From the resulting set-piece, he whipped in a dangerous delivery that van Dijk glanced home, with Habib Diarra unable to clear off the line. It was the perfect reward for Liverpool’s pressure, van Dijk’s header proving the match-winner.

The goal sparked brief elation for the visitors, but joy turned to concern moments later. Endo, deployed in a makeshift role at right-back, suffered an injury and was stretchered off, replaced by Joe Gomez in the 69th minute.

Curtis Jones nearly doubled the lead late on, firing over the bar, but Liverpool managed the game astutely, seeing out seven minutes of added time to secure the clean sheet on Alisson’s 250th Premier League appearance.

Tactical Breakdown: Set-Pieces Decide Tight Battle

This was a game of fine margins, with set-pieces proving decisive. Liverpool’s proficiency from corners—Salah’s delivery and van Dijk’s timing—exposed Sunderland’s vulnerability in the air, ending their home fortress status that had held since August.

Sunderland, under pressure after a loss to leaders Arsenal, struggled for consistency. Their energetic starts faded against Liverpool’s composure, particularly in defense where Konaté and van Dijk were rocks.

Arne Slot’s side showed resilience post their Man City heartbreak, regaining control after a slow opening. The win marks only their second in eight league games since the year turned, but it signals a return to form akin to reigning champions.

Sunderland’s new signing Angulo showed promise in transition, linking with Mukiele effectively, but the team hit a sticky patch, suffering a third defeat in four outings.

Key Performers and Lineup Insights

Virgil van Dijk was Liverpool’s standout, not just for his goal but for anchoring the backline that kept a vital clean sheet.

Mohamed Salah’s creativity from corners and crosses was pivotal, tormenting Sunderland’s defense repeatedly.

Florian Wirtz posed constant threats, hitting the post and forcing saves, while Alisson’s early stops preserved parity.

For Sunderland, Trai Hume and Nordi Mukiele were bright sparks in attack, with Roefs making key interventions between the posts.

Lineups highlighted squad rotation: Sunderland debuted Angulo alongside Brobbey, Ekitike, and Diarra; Liverpool fielded Endo improvisationally before his injury, with Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones, and Wirtz driving midfield.

Implications for the Table and Beyond

Liverpool climb to 39 points from 11 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses, bolstering their top-four push ahead of an FA Cup tie with Brighton.

Sunderland slip to 9-9-8, 36 points, their home invincibility breached after 12 games, a blow amid recent inconsistency.

Recent form underscores the stakes: Liverpool lost 1-2 to Man City last weekend but thumped Newcastle 4-1 prior; Sunderland faltered post strong home run.

Highlights from NBC and Sky Sports capture the tension, from Wirtz’s post-rattler to van Dijk’s clincher and Endo’s unfortunate exit.

This result reignites Liverpool’s campaign, proving set-piece prowess can unlock stubborn defenses. For Sunderland, it’s back to the drawing board to restore their fortress aura.

Post-Match Reflections

Rebecca Lowe of NBC noted Liverpool resembling their “old selves,” with van Dijk’s goal the difference in a gritty away win.

Premier League reports emphasize Slot’s relief after City’s late drama, while Sunderland’s report laments the end of their streak.

Statistically, possession was even, but Liverpool’s 1 shot on target from corners converted efficiently versus Sunderland’s wastefulness.

Injuries mount for the Reds—Endo joins a list—but the three points provide momentum. Sunderland must regroup, their wonderful season hitting turbulence.

Van Dijk’s flicked header, Salah’s delivery: moments that define seasons. Liverpool march on, Sunderland reflect.