EPL: Liverpool Edge Past Sunderland to End Unbeaten Home Record

Van Dijk scores late winner as Liverpool beat Sunderland

Liverpool secure vital win over Sunderland, ending their unbeaten home streak. Van Dijk scores late winner as Liverpool beat Sunderland at Stadium of Light.

Liverpool's recent form has been impressive, securing their third win in four matches across all competitions...

Virgil van Dijk led Liverpool to a 1-0 win over Sunderland, ending their unbeaten home record. The match was tense, with both goalkeepers making crucial interventions early on.

Battles started to play out across the pitch and both teams had periods of patient possession, although that didn’t translate to clear opportunities with Ibrahima Konaté smashing a speculative attempt harmlessly over.

The Frenchman then did brilliantly at the other end to stop Brian Brobbey’s attempt from Nordi Mukiele’s cross.

A Florian Wirtz pass bounced awkwardly off Omar Alderete before eventually trickling behind, but Sunderland’s defensive solidity meant the visitors initially had to resort to efforts from range before stepping up their search for an opener.

Mo Salah sets up Virgil van Dijk as @LFC pick up three points against Sunderland 👏 pic.twitter.com/E66hlYUCHg

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 11, 2026

Wirtz was the creator in chief, as the German saw a strike from range palmed behind for a corner that culminated in Virgil van Dijk heading over the crossbar, and he then hit the post with another attempt.

 

Alderete deflected Van Dijk's effort over, and Roefs made a crucial save to stop Wirtz's header. Sunderland had a promising start to the second half, with Trai Hume's ambitious strike going over.

Liverpool certainly made attacks of their own, as Daniel Ballard and Reinildo Mandava thwarted Wirtz and Mohamed Salah attempts respectively, either side of Mukiele firing wide. 

Their willingness to put their body on the line wasn’t enough in the 61st minute, though, as Habib Diarra headed Van Dijk’s header from a Salah corner into his own net.

Liverpool's momentum was briefly halted when Wataru Endo had to be substituted due to injury, but they continued to push forward, with Mohamed Salah's shot being blocked by Enzo Le Fée. Sunderland had their own chances, including a Trai Hume header and a Nordi Mukiele shot that went over, while Hugo Ekitike and Curtis Jones also came close for Liverpool.

The game was intense, with both teams creating opportunities, but neither could find the breakthrough. 

Liverpool's recent form has been impressive, securing their third win in four matches across all competitions. This win has allowed them to gain ground on Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League table. Notably, the Reds ended Sunderland's unbeaten home record in the Premier League this season, which was the last remaining streak in the league.

The match was intense, with both teams creating chances but Sunderland's defense held strong initially. Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz were threats, but it was a Habib Diarra own goal that secured the win for Liverpool.