Liverpool kept their hopes of a top-four finish alive with a narrow 1-0 victory over Sunderland, courtesy of Virgil van Dijk’s second-half header.
Arne Slot’s side, coming off a late defeat to Manchester City, secured a vital three points on Wednesday to remain in contention for a Champions League spot, as per the Premier League website.
After a competitive first half, Liverpool broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when Mohamed Salah delivered a corner that Van Dijk glanced goalward. Despite Habib Diarra’s attempt to clear, the ball crossed the line to hand the visitors the advantage.
Florian Wirtz had earlier come closest to scoring before the interval, forcing goalkeeper Robin Roefs into a smart save with a dipping effort before striking the post with a low drive across goal. The German also saw a header comfortably gathered as Liverpool pressed.
Sunderland threatened on the counter-attack in the opening stages, with Brian Brobbey denied by a crucial block from Ibrahima Konate, while Trai Hume and Nordi Mukiele fired off target early in the second half.
Liverpool created further opportunities to extend their lead, with Hugo Ekitike heading wide and Salah sending a volley just past the upright, but they were unable to add to their tally.
The hosts, missing Granit Xhaka once again, pushed late in search of an equaliser but failed to break through as their unbeaten home run in this season’s Premier League came to an end.
Liverpool remain sixth in the standings but close the gap to three points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, while Sunderland stay 11th.
UNI VAN AAB