Sunderland travel to Anfield on Wednesday, more than than 15 years after the Black Cats beat Liverpool thanks to a freakish intervention from a beach ball thrown from the stands
Darren Bent of Sunderland watches as his shot goes between Glen Johnson and Pepe Reina of Liverpool and in to the goal off of a balloon, during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Liverpool
Liverpool and Sunderland will always share one of the most bizarre moments in Premier League history after Darren Bent's beach ball goal
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Liverpool faced Sunderland in October 2009 in a Premier League match that became famous for a bizarre incident. A beach ball, which had been thrown onto the pitch by a young fan, ended up playing a decisive role in the game.
Sunderland striker Darren Bent fired a shot that struck the stray beach ball instead of a defender, causing a wicked deflection. The impact completely confused Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina and diverted the ball into the net for the only goal of the game.
Although Liverpool players protested the play should have been stopped due to outside interference, referee Mike Jones allowed the goal to stand. This controversial decision resulted in a 1-0 defeat for Liverpool and a memorable victory for Sunderland.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez reacted calmly to the defeat, refusing to blame the freak accident entirely for the result. He admitted his team had played poorly and focused on their need to improve rather than the bad luck they encountered.
The loss severely damaged Liverpool's season, leaving them eighth in the table and effectively ending their title challenge. The poor run of form contributed to a difficult period for the club that eventually led to Benitez's departure the following year.
Bent has since reflected on the goal with amusement, noting the bewildered reactions of Liverpool players like Jamie Carragher. He considers the goal a "freak accident" but remains proud to be part of such a unique piece of Premier League history.
The beach ball itself was eventually "retired" and found a permanent home on display at the National Football Museum in Manchester. It remains a symbol of one of the strangest goals ever scored in professional football.
In the years following the incident, the two clubs' fortunes diverged significantly, with Liverpool eventually winning the Premier League title. On the other hand, Sunderland suffered relegation and spent numerous seasons fighting to get back into the top flight.
READ THE FULL STORY: Liverpool's beach ball "freak accident" that left Carragher and Benitez speechless