SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk (R) celebrates with team-mates Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konaté and Hugo Ekitike after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk (R) celebrates with team-mates Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konaté and Hugo Ekitike after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
This was more like it from Liverpool, with the watching media resoundingly positive about their 1-0 win away to Sunderland.
The Premier League champions showed their mettle at the Stadium of Light, with Virgil van Dijk‘s goal separating the two sides.
Here’s the best of the media reaction to a big victory for Liverpool.
Liverpool’s spirit was hailed as they secured a priceless three points…
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's (L-R) Joe Gomez, captain Virgil van Dijk and Curtis Jones after the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. The game ends 0-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's (L-R) Joe Gomez, captain Virgil van Dijk and Curtis Jones after the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. The game ends 0-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Telegraph‘s Luke Edwards called it a “pivotal” night in Liverpool and Arne Slot‘s season:
“This was never going to be a straightforward task for Liverpool but they held firm, mentally and physically to secure a win that opened a path for them back into the top four.
“With Chelsea and Manchester United both dropping points on Tuesday, this was not only an opportunity to close the gap on their rivals to just two and three points, it felt like a pivotal moment in a testing second season for Slot.”
On X, David Lynch was also impressed with what he saw:
“A crucial win for Liverpool’s top-four hopes and deserved, too.
“They dealt with Sunderland‘s physicality in a way that has looked beyond them for most of the season and created enough to win it in open play despite doing so from a set-piece.”
The Athletic’s James Pearce lauded the response to a tough defeat to Man City:
“Really impressive reaction to Sunday’s defeat.
“Margin of victory should have been greater.”
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. Picture date: Wednesday February 11, 2026.
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. Picture date: Wednesday February 11, 2026.
The Guardian‘s Louise Taylor could only find positives in terms of the Reds’ top-four hopes:
“Arne Slot has said he does not believe his job security hinges on Liverpool securing Champions League qualification this spring but the Dutchman would much prefer not to put that assertion to the test.
“On this evidence there seems a decent chance the Champions’ manager will not have to.”
BBC Sport‘s Aadam Patel thought it was a richly deserved win:
“Credit where it is due – this was a rare night of joy on the road for Liverpool in what has been a disappointing campaign thus far.
“They battled well against an organised Sunderland side and more than deserved the three points.
“Liverpool have not performed like reigning champions often enough this term, but on this wet night in the north east they turned up and delivered a display befitting of that status.”
There was plenty of love for two influential Liverpool players…
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté is challenged by Sunderland's Brian Brobbey (L) during the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté is challenged by Sunderland's Brian Brobbey (L) during the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Gregg Evans of The Athletic was hugely impressed with Ibrahima Konate on the night:
“This was a classic collision of power and pace, with Konate ultimately coming out on top in an old-fashioned striker-vs-defender duel.
“When he’s at his best, the 26-year-old Frenchman reads the games well, covers space with his pace and uses his strength to such great effect against imposing opponents.”
ESPN’s Beth Lindop was another who hailed Konate after arguably his best outing of the season:
“A special mention for Ibrahima Konate, who looks back to his outstanding past after a tough few months.
“Feels like a big one considering yesterday’s results.”
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz reacts to his shot hitting the post during the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz reacts to his shot hitting the post during the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Florian Wirtz's game by numbers vs. Sunderland:
30 final third passes
8 touches in opp. box
6x possession won
5 duels won
5 shots
2/2 take-ons completed
2 chances created
2 shots on target
The post denied him the opener. ?#SUNLIV pic.twitter.com/yzQDsP38Px
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) February 11, 2026
Nathan Ridley of the Mirror was also enamoured with Wirtz’s display:
“Wirtz copped plenty of criticism in the months following his £116 million transfer.
“In an era defined by statistics, you didn’t need to go far to find a fan or pundit comparing his underwhelming numbers at Liverpool to his prolific Bayer Leverkusen career.
“Recently, though, Wirtz looks a lot more settled, especially playing off Hugo Ekitike. The German was Liverpool’s bright spark as they dominated the opening 45 minutes here.”
Football – FA Premier League – Burnley FC v Liverpool FC
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 14, 2025: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté during the FA Premier League match between Burnley FC and Liverpool FC at Turf Moor. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – FA Premier League – Sunderland AFC v Liverpool FC
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's Wataru Endo during the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)