Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool: Van Dijk Header Ends Home Unbeaten Run as Reds Keep Top-Four Hopes Alive

Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light to keep their pursuit of a top-four finish firmly alive and bring an end to the hosts’ unbeaten home record.

In a contest they largely controlled, Arne Slot’s side finally found the breakthrough just after the hour mark through Virgil van Dijk, whose decisive header settled the game on a night when Liverpool created chances but initially lacked composure in front of goal.

Liverpool began on the front foot and dominated the opening period. They enjoyed 70 per cent possession and registered 14 shots before the interval, though only two were on target. Despite sustained pressure and territorial control, they had nothing to show for their efforts at half-time. The closest they came in the first half was through Florian Wirtz, whose low drive struck the post. Sunderland, by contrast, struggled to impose themselves and managed just three touches inside the Liverpool penalty area before the break, yet defended resolutely to keep the score level at 0-0.

The breakthrough arrived in the 60th minute. Mohamed Salah delivered a left-footed corner from the right and Van Dijk rose superbly to glance a header goalwards. Diarra attempted to clear on the line but could not prevent the ball from crossing it. The goal was Van Dijk’s fourth of the season and his 23rd Premier League goal for Liverpool, moving him ahead of Sami Hyypiä as the club’s highest-scoring defender in the competition’s history.

Liverpool’s evening was complicated midway through the second half when Wataru Endo went down following an awkward fall on his left ankle.

Although he initially attempted to continue, he required treatment and was eventually stretchered off. Joe Gomez, recently back from a hip injury, replaced him. Liverpool have now used seven different players at right-back this season, highlighting ongoing injury issues and Dominik Szoboszlai’s suspension.

Sunderland pushed forward in the closing stages in an attempt to salvage a point and preserve their formidable home record, but clear opportunities remained limited. Liverpool managed the final minutes professionally, controlling possession and restricting space to secure a valuable away win.

The visitors ultimately earned the reward their dominance merited. The victory represents a significant three points, particularly after Chelsea and Manchester United both dropped points. Liverpool remain sixth in the table, two points behind Chelsea and three behind United, keeping their Champions League hopes firmly intact.

For Sunderland, the defeat ends an impressive unbeaten home run and means there are now no teams left in the Premier League yet to lose on home soil this season. They sit 11th with 36 points, still well positioned, but reminded of the fine margins that often define matches at this level.