By Rajes Anbalagan

Liverpool handed Sunderland their first defeat at the Stadium of Light this season in a narrow victory.

Virgil Van Dijk became Liverpool’s highest scoring defender, with his 23rd goal making the only difference of the match.

However, do not let the scoreline fool you. Liverpool spent the majority of the first half fully in control and dominant in possession.

Despite a shaky second half due to an unexpected injury in the form of Wataru Endo, a monumental corner from Mo Salah and a vigilant Van Dijk header keeps the Reds in pursuit of Champions League football next season.

Match Review

The home team applied early pressure through set pieces, but Liverpool quickly took control of the game as shots from Konate, Endo, Robertson, Gakpo and Wirtz set the pace, with the latter having a few of the best efforts in the first half.

Despite a solid performance, Liverpool went into the break with 13 shots, trumping Sunderland’s one. However, only two of the 13 were on target, and the game remained goalless, regardless.

The first half could have seen more action but the windy atmosphere kept both teams from taking risky long shots.

Early in the second half saw a Salah corner and a quick follow through from Wirtz being cleared by Sunderland’s Dan Ballard, who’s been a stalwart this season for the Black Cats.

Salah, hungry for his first goal since November, had a great chance courtesy of Wirtz and Ekitike in the 59th minute, but sent it too high. He bounced back quickly with an assist, a corner converted to a Van Dijk header.

The Egyptian now climbs above Steven Gerrard in terms of Premier League assists.

Cursed Right-Back Position?

But Liverpool’s joy quickly turned into fear with Wataru Endo’s nasty landing on his ankle. Despite the Japanese captain trying to be brave and play on, Liverpool was forced to introduce Joe Gomez, who also recently returned from injury.

It’s heartbreaking to see the recent birthday boy being stretchered out in tears, after making just his second start.

Multiple changes on both ends did not make much difference to the rest of the game with Salah almost ended his drought in the last minutes of the game, but sent his shot wide.

Liverpool halted Sunderland’s 12-game streak of being unbeaten at home and demolished their record of being the only club to be unbeaten at home this season.

Slot's men remain in sixth place, but continue to be hot on the heels of rivals Manchester United and Chelsea for a top four spot.