Liverpool defeated Sunderland 1-0 in the Premier League at the Stadium of Light, thanks to a second-half header from Virgil van Dijk. The victory, assisted by Mohamed Salah, ended Sunderland's unbeaten home record and boosted Liverpool's Champions League qualification hopes. Manager Arne Slot praised the team's performance despite an injury to Wataru Endo.
Liverpool travelled to the Stadium of Light on February 11, 2026, facing a Sunderland side unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season. The match kicked off at 8:15pm UK time in wet conditions, with Sunderland pressing early through Brian Brobbey, who tested Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate. Konate blocked a close-range attempt from Brobbey after a cross from Mukiele.
Liverpool gradually took control, with Florian Wirtz creating chances in the first half. Wirtz forced a save from goalkeeper Roefs with a curling strike, hit the post with a low effort, and was denied a header from a Salah delivery. Sunderland's defence, led by Daniel Ballard and Omar Alderete, cleared corners, while Alisson saved an awkward shot from Nilson Angulo. Penalty appeals arose from a challenge between Brobbey and Konate, but the referee waved play on, and the teams went into half-time level.
The second half saw Liverpool dominate possession. Sunderland threatened on counters, with Mukiele shooting wide and Trai Hume drilling over from 25 yards. In the 61st minute, Salah delivered a left-footed corner, and Van Dijk headed it goalwards. Habib Diarra's attempted clearance on the line resulted in a deflection, giving Liverpool the lead.
Shortly after, Wataru Endo, playing as a makeshift right-back due to suspensions and injuries, suffered an ankle injury while blocking a shot and was stretchered off, replaced by Joe Gomez. Slot anticipated a long absence for Endo, stating, “We don’t expect a positive outcome... We expect not to have him for quite a long time.” Sunderland pushed forward, with substitute Romaine Mundle prompting penalty appeals after contact with Alexis Mac Allister, but none were awarded.
Liverpool had chances to extend the lead, including Hugo Ekitike heading wide from a Wirtz cross and Salah volleying past the post. The win moved Liverpool, who were six points behind fourth-placed Manchester United before the game, within three points of them and two behind fifth-placed Chelsea.
Slot hailed the result as “very important,” adding, “I think we dug deep, after only two days of rest... We showed again how well we can play on the ball. We created so many opportunities today.” He praised Salah's assist, his 92nd in the top flight, equalling Steven Gerrard's record, saying, “Both were unbelievable players for this club... I hope he goes above him.” Sunderland's defence remained organised, but Liverpool's character secured the three points, breaking the Black Cats' home unbeaten run that included draws against Arsenal and Manchester City.
