Sunderland
Liverpool
Match Statistics
Confirmed Lineups
- 1 Roefs R.
- 2 Mukiele N.
- 3 Ballard D.
- 4 Alderete O.
- 5 Mandava R.
- 6 Sadiki N.
- 7 Le Fee E.
- 8 Hume T.
- 9 Diarra H.
- 10 Angulo N.
- 11 Brobbey B.
Substitutes
Cirkin D., Ellborg M., Geertruida L., Isidor W., Mayenda E., Mundle R., O'Nien L., Rigg C., Talbi C.
- 1 Alisson
- 2 Endo W.
- 3 Konate I.
- 4 van Dijk V.
- 5 Robertson A.
- 6 Gravenberch R.
- 7 Mac Allister A.
- 8 Salah M.
- 9 Wirtz F.
- 10 Gakpo C.
- 11 Ekitike H.
Substitutes
Chiesa F., Gomez J., Jones C., Kerkez M., Mamardashvili G., Morrison K., Ngumoha R., Nyoni T., Ramsay C., X
Sunderland vs Liverpool Match Commentary
Sunderland vs Liverpool Match Overview: 0-1 Premier League
Sunderland vs Liverpool Match Overview: a night of defiance at the Stadium of Light ended with Liverpool’s quality finally telling, as Virgil van Dijk’s towering header sealed a 0-1 Sunderland vs Liverpool Result on 11 February 2026. Sunderland fought with courage and organisation, but Liverpool’s relentless pressure, set-piece threat and superior shot volume eventually produced the decisive moment. The Sunderland vs Liverpool Score was harsh on the home side’s spirit, yet fully in line with the chances created, with Mohamed Salah supplying the corner and van Dijk delivering the finish that settled this Premier League match report.
First Half
Sunderland began with the kind of front-foot energy that lifts a crowd before nerves can take hold, winning an early corner and testing Liverpool’s concentration with direct running from Nilson Angulo and the physical presence of Brian Brobbey. But Liverpool quickly imposed their rhythm, circulating the ball with patience and probing for gaps as Florian Wirtz drifted between lines and Mohamed Salah repeatedly aimed deliveries into the danger zone.
The Sunderland back line, led by Daniel Ballard and Omar Alderete, spent long stretches defending their box, surviving a sequence of corners and blocks that told the story of Liverpool’s growing control. Robin Roefs was sharp when called upon, reacting brilliantly to deny Wirtz’s header and then watching on as Wirtz clipped the post with a crisp effort that felt like a warning shot. Sunderland’s best moment of the half came through Angulo’s solo burst and low drive, a rare chance to breathe and believe, but Alisson and his defenders held firm. By the interval, the match had the feel of a siege without the breakthrough: Liverpool were creating, Sunderland were resisting, and the margin for error was shrinking with every set piece.
Key Moments
- Florian Wirtz struck the post as Liverpool’s pressure began to bite, a moment that rattled the Stadium of Light.
- Robin Roefs produced two standout saves to keep Sunderland level, including a sharp stop from a close-range Wirtz header.
- Reinildo Mandava entered the book as Sunderland’s defensive intensity rose to meet Liverpool’s wave after wave of attacks.
Second Half
Sunderland emerged with intent after the restart, firing a couple of ambitious efforts from range and pushing bodies forward when transitions opened up. Nordi Mukiele’s run into the box and a curling shot that drifted just wide hinted at a route back into the contest, and for a spell Liverpool looked frustrated by the numbers behind the ball and the lack of clear shooting lanes.
Then came the moment that defined the Sunderland vs Liverpool Match Report. On the hour, Liverpool forced consecutive corners, and on 61 minutes Salah delivered with precision. Van Dijk, left with just enough space, powered a header into the top-left corner to complete the Sunderland vs Liverpool Goals story with a single, decisive blow. It was classic Liverpool: pressure, territory, another set piece, and a captain’s finish when the game demanded authority.
Sunderland tried to respond with changes and renewed width, introducing Romaine Mundle and Chemsdine Talbi as they chased an equaliser. There were loud appeals for a penalty late on when Mundle went down in the box, but Chris Kavanagh waved play on, and the home crowd’s roar turned into disbelief rather than celebration. Liverpool, meanwhile, managed the closing stages with cold control, even threatening to extend the lead: Andrew Robertson’s clipped ball nearly found Hugo Ekitike for a header, and Salah flashed a first-time effort inches wide deep in stoppage time. When the final whistle arrived, Sunderland had given everything; Liverpool had taken what they needed.
Key Moments
- Virgil van Dijk headed in from Mohamed Salah’s corner to decide the Sunderland vs Liverpool Score at 0-1.
- Sunderland’s late penalty appeal was turned down after Romaine Mundle went to ground under a challenge.
- Mohamed Salah nearly added a second in stoppage time, firing just wide after finding space in the box.
Sunderland vs Liverpool Stats Breakdown
The Sunderland vs Liverpool Stats paint a clear picture of Liverpool’s dominance in chance creation. Liverpool finished with 57% possession and 23 total shots to Sunderland’s 11, including 16 attempts from inside the box. The xG analysis is even more decisive: Sunderland posted 0.63 xG, while Liverpool generated 2.53 xG, reflecting the volume of pressure and the repeated access to high-value areas.
Liverpool’s 11 corners were a constant threat and ultimately the difference, while Sunderland’s defensive effort was immense in raw volume, recording 39 clearances. Despite that resistance, Liverpool’s attacking depth kept Sunderland pinned back, with 42 touches in the opposition box compared to Sunderland’s 27. From a full-time analysis perspective, Sunderland’s game plan largely worked in open play, but set-piece control and sustained territory were the margins that swung the Sunderland vs Liverpool Result.
Sunderland vs Liverpool Lineups
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Mandava; Sadiki, Le Fee; Hume, Diarra, Angulo; Brobbey.
Liverpool: Alisson; Endo, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Substitutions: Sunderland introduced Geertruida for Alderete (injury), Mundle for Angulo, Talbi for Hume, and Isidor for Diarra. Liverpool brought on Gomez for the injured Endo, Jones for Gakpo, and Chiesa for Ekitike.
Player of the Match
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool): the match-winning goal and a commanding defensive display underlined why Liverpool trust him in tight away fixtures. His timing on the decisive header was perfect, and his authority helped Liverpool see out a tense finish despite Sunderland’s late push and post-match reaction from the stands demanding more.
What the Result Means
This Sunderland vs Liverpool Analysis leaves Sunderland with encouragement but no reward: the structure was strong, the fight was real, yet the lack of cutting edge meant their best spells didn’t translate into clear chances. For Liverpool, it was a professional away win built on pressure and set-piece precision, the kind of result that keeps momentum alive in the league run-in. Sunderland match today will be remembered for the effort and the near-moments; Liverpool match today will be remembered for the efficiency, the control, and a captain delivering when it mattered most.
The referee blows his whistle for the final time to end this match.
90+8'
Chris Kavanagh blows his whistle and it's Daniel Ballard (Sunderland) who is penalised for an offensive foul. Good decision by the referee. A free kick to Liverpool.
90+7'
What a sensational goal that would have been! Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) picks up the ball inside the box and fires a beautiful first-time shot, but it goes just a few inches wide of the left post.
90+5'
A horde of players are waiting inside the penalty area for a cross from the corner, but Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) takes it short.
90+5'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) races towards goal but the defender gets back well to make a challenge. The ball is out of play and Liverpool manage to earn a corner.
90+4'
Referee Chris Kavanagh sees the trip by Wilson Isidor (Sunderland) and doesn't hesitate to blow his whistle. Liverpool get a free kick.
90+2'
Regis Le Bris has decided to make a change. Wilson Isidor (Sunderland) replaces Habib Diarra.
90+2'
PENALTY APPEAL after Romaine Mundle (Sunderland) goes down under a challenge from the defender. All players chase the referee but he's not interested in the penalty claim. Play continues.
90'
7 additional min. will be played.
88'
The referee stops play so that a substitution can be made and Hugo Ekitike leaves the pitch and Federico Chiesa (Liverpool) comes on.
88'
Curtis Jones (Liverpool) takes a shot after receiving a good pass, but his effort from the edge of the box goes just over the crossbar.
86'
Lutsharel Geertruida (Sunderland) tries to find Enzo Le Fee, but he puts too much power on the through ball. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Liverpool.
83'
Romaine Mundle (Sunderland) sends a cross into the box, but the opposition's defence clears the ball away to eliminate the danger.
80'
Chemsdine Talbi joins the action as a substitute, replacing Trai Hume (Sunderland).
80'
Substitution. Nilson Angulo (Sunderland) is replaced by Romaine Mundle.
80'
Omar Alderete doesn't have to suffer any longer with the painful injury as Lutsharel Geertruida (Sunderland) comes onto the pitch to replace him.
79'
Omar Alderete (Sunderland) is lying on the ground after being tackled and the physio comes onto the pitch to give him medical treatment.
79'
Andrew Robertson clips a neat ball into the box towards Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), whose header from the centre of the box goes a whisker wide of the left post.
77'
One of the defenders reacts at the last minute to brilliantly block a pass from Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool).
76'
Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) makes a good run with the ball into the box, but mishits his shot as it goes high over the bar.
75'
Substitution. Cody Gakpo makes way for Curtis Jones (Liverpool).
75'
Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) knocks his opponent down with an over-the-top tackle. Sunderland are awarded a free kick.
73'
The foul by Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) was seen by Chris Kavanagh who didn't hesitate to blow the whistle. A free kick is awarded to Liverpool.
73'
Trai Hume (Sunderland) is first to the rebound but his shot is blocked. Wow, what an escape there for the opposition.
72'
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) is unable to control an accurate defence-splitting pass properly and one of the defending players reacts well to rob him of the ball.
72'
Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) appears to handle the ball in the box, but the referee wasn't in the best position. Let's see what he decides.
71'
Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) attempts to find his teammate with a pass from outside the box, but the opposition's defence is quick to react and thwarts the attack.
69'
Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) whips in the corner, but one of the defending players gets a head on it and intercepts.
69'
The manager has been forced to make a substitution and the injured Wataru Endo limps off the pitch to be replaced by Joe Gomez (Liverpool).
65'
Wataru Endo (Liverpool) requires medical treatment, so the referee stops play and signals for the physio to come onto the pitch.
63'
Trai Hume (Sunderland) goes over to take a corner kick after one of the defenders makes a good clearance.
61'
0 - 1
The resulting corner is whipped in by Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) is left unmarked to plant a precise header into the top left corner. The score is 0:1.
60'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) prepares to take a corner kick.
60'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) sends a wonderful cross from the corner kick. However, the defence works perfectly to clear the ball and avert the threat. Liverpool force their opponents to concede a corner.
60'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) received a pass inside the box and sent a dangerous shot in on goal, but keep the champagne on ice as one of the defenders stepped in and blocked the effort. It's hard to say whether the keeper would have stopped it. Liverpool have been awarded a corner kick. The referee and one of his assistants both point at the corner flag.
59'
Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) places a shot at goal from the edge of the box that bends just wide of the right post.
57'
The game is interrupted as Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) is flagged offside.
55'
Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) collects a brilliant pass inside the box and finds himself in a goal scoring opportunity. He takes a shot, but the effort is well blocked by one of the defending players.
55'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) swings in a cross from the corner, but Robin Roefs reads it well and gathers the ball.
54'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) wastes a good opportunity as his pass into the box is blocked by the defence. Liverpool will have a chance to score from a corner kick.
52'
Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) commits a foul and Chris Kavanagh immediately signals a free kick. Sunderland win a free kick.
50'
Trai Hume (Sunderland) has a sight of goal and shoots from long range but his ambitious effort flies just over the bar.
48'
Habib Diarra (Sunderland) sends a cross into the box, but Alisson comes off his line to gather the ball.
47'
The linesman raises his flag. Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) is adjudged offside.
46'
The players are back out on the pitch following the half-time break and the second half is about to start.
45+2'
Chris Kavanagh has ended the first half by blowing the whistle.
45+2'
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) goes down under a challenge in the box, but the ref immediately waves away the appeals from all players.
45+2'
Noah Sadiki (Sunderland) fails to find any of his teammates inside the box as his pass is blocked.
45'
1 min. of stoppage-time to be played.
44'
A snap shot from distance by Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) after a precise pass is brilliantly blocked by a defender.
43'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) swings in the corner, but it's comfortably cleared away.
43'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) launches an inaccurate corner kick into the penalty area. The referee signals a corner kick to Liverpool.
42'
Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) serves up a nice cross, but the defence clears the danger. The ball goes out for a corner. Liverpool can continue in their attacking effort.
42'
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) sends in the corner, but fails to find the head of any of his teammates, allowing the defence to clear.
41'
A pass from Andrew Robertson (Liverpool) is intercepted by Robin Roefs and the move breaks down. The linesman makes the right call and Liverpool will have a corner.
39'
Great solo effort by Nilson Angulo (Sunderland) as he beats two defenders before unleashing a low drive from just outside of the box towards the middle of the goal. The goalkeeper is ready and makes a decent save.
38'
Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) is the first to arrive to a rebound inside the penalty area and attempts to place his header into the middle of the goal. Robin Roefs shows his fast reflexes, though, and makes a nice save.
37'
Chris Kavanagh blows his whistle after Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) brings one of his opponents down with a strong tackle. Sunderland will take a free kick near the side line.
37'
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) takes the corner, but it's intercepted by the defender.
36'
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) gathers a nice lofted pass deep inside the box and attempts to put the ball into roof of the net, but his shot is deflected away by one of the defending players. Liverpool have been awarded a corner kick.
35'
Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) pulls the jersey of one of the opposition players and Chris Kavanagh blows his whistle for a foul. Free kick. Liverpool will probably just try to cross the ball in from here.
34'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) gets on the end of a good cross and shoots, but his attempt is inadvertently blocked by one of his own teammates.
33'
Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) expertly controls a neat clever pass inside the box, but his effort crashes against the right post! What an opportunity that was!
33'
One of the defending players blocks a long-range shot which was unleashed by Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool).
31'
Cody Gakpo floats a good corner into the box that Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) gets on the end of, but his effort on goal scorches just over the bar.
31'
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) is about to take a corner kick.
30'
Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) connected with a pass around the edge of the box, aimed and shot. His attempt went towards the left-hand post, but Robin Roefs was alert and the score remains the same. Good work from Liverpool as they win a corner.
30'
The defender did brilliantly to block the long-range effort from Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool).
28'
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) crosses into the box from near the side line, but he doesn't connect as he wanted and it's cleared by the well-organized defence.
26'
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) attempts to find Andrew Robertson, but puts far too much on the pass and the chance is gone. The ball goes out of play and Sunderland will have a goal kick.
24'
Reinildo Mandava (Sunderland) receives a yellow card from the referee as expected.
23'
Liverpool fail to score from a corner as Robin Roefs (Sunderland) leaps to collect the ball.
21'
Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) sent a pass onto Hugo Ekitike, who didn't get a chance to finish. The referee and one of his assistants signal for a corner kick to Liverpool.
19'
Good defending. Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) tries to find Brian Brobbey inside the box, but the pass is cut out.
17'
An attempted cross from Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) is cleared.
15'
Andrew Robertson (Liverpool) was too fierce in his attempt to get the ball from his opponent and Chris Kavanagh blows for a foul. Sunderland have been awarded a free kick.
14'
Great teamplay by Liverpool as they control the ball with a lot of short passes. Patience is the key if they want to find a gap in the defence to score.
10'
Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool) covers his face with his hands after wasting a promising chance. He takes the rebound on the edge of the box but blazes the ball high over the crossbar.
9'
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) sends a lofted cross into the box which is headed clear.
7'
The resulting corner from Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) is cleared by the opposition's defence.
7'
Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) fails to send a pass into the box as his effort is cut out. Corner kick. Liverpool will have an opportunity.
6'
Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) serves up a nice cross, but Robin Roefs punches the ball away.
4'
Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) trips an opponent with a slide tackle. Chris Kavanagh stops the game and he could give him a card, but eventually decides on just a warning. A free kick has been awarded to Sunderland.
3'
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) is caught offside!
3'
Trai Hume (Sunderland) swings a cross into the box, but it's far too close to Alisson, who smothers the ball.
2'
Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) quickly takes the corner kick with a short pass.
2'
Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) crosses the ball into the box, but one of the defending players averts the threat. The ball goes out of play. Sunderland are awarded a corner kick.
1'
The match has just started.
The players are on the pitch and Sunderland will have the kick-off.
Today's referee will be Chris Kavanagh.
Show lineups
Before the start of the game, you can see the starting lineups for today's clash.
Hello and welcome to our minute-by-minute commentary of the upcoming clash. We will try to provide you with as-accurate-as possible picture of the happenings on the pitch. Have fun.