It had to happen: Sunderland lose to Liverpool at home

Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, PSG, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli and Juventus. Until Wednesday night, Sunderland was in excellent company. The Black Cats were among just a few European teams which were unbeaten at home so far this season. But, against Liverpool, who are out of form, they failed to keep that record and lost all three points at the Stadium of Light: Sunderland – Liverpool 0-1. In a pretty boring game, which was further complicated with terrible weather conditions (cold, windy and rainy), Florian Wirtz was the one who created chances but Van Dijk was the one who used his one (with a help from Sunderland‘s Diarra) and gave Liverpool all three points.

So, what will be remembered from this game? Not much, only three points for the visitors and a memorable night for Salah. The Egyptian provided an assist for the only goal, and came to the number of 92 Premier League assist, thus equaling Steven Gerrard‘s record. Sunderland however will not catch Nottinhgam Forest, who hold the record of 21 unbeaten games as the promoted side from the start of a top-flight season (1977).

The first 20 minutes of the match were forgettable as nothing happened really. Sunderland had a half-opportunity but Konate was there to block the shot. Liverpool couldn‘t create anything as the hosts were good defensively. But since Wirtz‘s 22 meters shot which was saved by Roefs in the 30th minute, Liverpool took control and created enough opportunities to score but failed. Wirtz had another chance in the 33rd minute and this time he was in the penalty area, but the post saved Sunderland. Just five minutes later, the German international had another opportunity after Ballard‘s clumsy clearance but didn‘t use it.

Attempt number 2: Saudis are after Salah

The Reds continued their dominance in the second half and finally after one hour of poor football they scored. Senegalese Diarra should have cleared the ball from the goal line after Van Dijk‘s header, but he reacted poorly and suddenly it was 1-0 for the visitors. Liverpool didn‘t bother to attack much since the opening goal and ‘invite‘ the home side to attack them. The Black Cats tried, but couldn‘t create a single opportunity. Liverpool have dropped seven points from winning positions since the turn of the year but tonight they hung on and are going home with all three points.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 26

Tuesday

Chelsea - Leeds 2-2 (1-0)

/Pedro 24, Palmer 58 (p) - Nmecha 67(p), Okafor 73/

Everton - Bournemouth 1-2 (1-0)

/Ndiaye 42(p) - Rayan 61, Adli 64/

Tottenham - Newcastle 1-2 (0-1)

/Gray 64 - Thiaw 45+5, Ramsey 68/

West Ham - Manchester United 1-1 (0-0)

/Soucek 50 - Sesko 90+6/

Wednesday

Aston Villa - Brighton 1-0 (0-0)

/Hinshelwood 86 og/

Crystal Palace - Burnley 2-3 (2-3)

/Larsen 17, 33 - Mejbri 40, Anthony 44, Lerma 45+2 og/

Manchester City - Fulham 3-0 (3-0)

/Semenyo 24, O'Reilly 30, Haaland 39/

Nottingham Forest - Wolverhampton 0-0

Sunderland - Liverpool 0-1 (0-0)

/Van Dijk 61/

Thursday

21.00: (4.90) Brentford (3.60) Arsenal (1.75)

***odds are subject to change***