Ian Doyle with the Liverpool player ratings and scores from the Premier League clash at Sunderland on Wednesday evening
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Brian Brobbey of Sunderland and Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool battle for possession of the ball during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Liverpool at Stadium of Light on February 11, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Brian Brobbey of Sunderland and Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool battle for possession of the ball during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light on February 11, 2026(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
View Image
Liverpool reignited their hopes of Champions League qualification with a richly-deserved 1-0 Premier League win at Sunderland on Wednesday evening. Virgil van Dijk headed in the only goal after 61 minutes as the Reds became the first visiting team to win at the Black Cats in the league this season.
The result means Arne Slot's side have now moved to within three points of the top four and are only two points behind fifth-placed Chelsea.
The ECHO was in attendance at the Stadium of Light and here we run the rule over the performance of the Liverpool players.
Alisson Becker 7
Quiet first half as Liverpool kept Sunderland at arm’s length and dealt with the aerial threat as home side pressed for equaliser.
Wataru Endo 7
Targeted by Angulo but more than held his own and started to offer an outlet down the right before sustaining nasty-looking ankle injury. Subbed.
Ibrahima Konate 8
Helped dominate the dangerous Brobbey - notably with one second-half intervention - although one shot from range was a bit ambitious. Fine defensive display.
Virgil van Dijk 7
Rarely troubled defensively before break and a threat at attacking set-pieces which led to scoring opener. Required in the rearguard after that.
Andy Robertson 7
Started to link well with Gakpo down the left before half-time and one cross had Roefs in bother, but a bit quieter second half.
Ryan Gravenberch 6
Struggled a bit with the physicality in midfield early on and could have moved ball quicker. Second half was more a case of helping out defence.
Alexis Mac Allister 7
Careful use of ball in tricky conditions and kept Liverpool ticking over in midfield. Began to grow in influence after break and used experience well.
Mohamed Salah 7
Looked to play off the shoulder of the last defender in opening quarter but quality not always there with deliveries into box until corner laid on opener. Worked very hard and close to second late on.
Florian Wirtz 8
Unlucky with shot that hit post and forced Roefs into two saves first half and later had goalbound effort blocked. Liverpool’s most lively going forward in another impressive outing.
Cody Gakpo 7
Created chance for Wirtz and found space in behind the Sunderland right regularly first half. Much quieter after break as game became more even. Subbed.
Hugo Ekitike 6
Didn’t get much change in the air up against the Sunderland defence first half and missed a great chance for second. Tired significantly after that. Subbed.
SUBS
Joe Gomez (for Endo 69) 7
Welcome return and stuck to defensive task.
Curtis Jones (for Gakpo 75) 6
Fired one shot over from edge of area.
Federico Chiesa (for Ekitike 88)
Minutes for the Italian.
*Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.*