Liverpool Close the Gap with Gritty Win Over Sunderland
First-Half Weariness Gives Way to Control
Liverpool travelled to the Stadium of Light under a cloud of apprehension. As Trev Downey admitted on the Anfield Index Post-Match Raw, “There was a feeling coming into this game that I have not experienced as a Liverpool fan in many, many years.”
That anxiety was understandable. Sunderland had not lost at home all season, and Liverpool’s own recent inconsistencies had drained confidence. Downey described heading into the fixture “nearly despondent,” while acknowledging that “it’s not okay in any way, shape, or form” for standards to slip.
The opening exchanges were cautious but composed. Florian Wirtz struck the post, Virgil van Dijk headed narrowly wide and Liverpool controlled possession without carving open clear chances. The tempo was sharper, the passing crisper, but the cutting edge remained elusive.
Van Dijk and Konaté Deliver Authority
The breakthrough came from a familiar source. A Mohamed Salah corner found Van Dijk, whose powerful header forced its way home. It was decisive, assertive and symbolic.
Dave Hendrick was unequivocal: “Our two best players have been our two centre-backs tonight.” He added, “Virgil was absolutely top class,” before insisting, “I thought Konaté shaded him defensively.”
Konaté’s one-versus-one defending was relentless. Van Dijk dominated aerially. Together they provided the platform Liverpool have lacked at key moments this season.
Hendrick underlined the importance of that solidity: “If they play like that, we have a real chance of getting into the top four.” In a campaign defined by unpredictability — “There’s zero predictability about this group,” he noted — defensive consistency may prove decisive.
Injury Concern Casts Shadow
The victory was tempered by Wataru Endo’s serious-looking injury. Downey reflected that “that sort of mentality has been sadly lacking,” praising the midfielder’s commitment before his withdrawal.
Hendrick added perspective: “Endo didn’t let us down.” The Japanese international had filled in selflessly at right-back and his exit visibly unsettled teammates.
It was a reminder that resilience, not just tactics, defines late-season pushes.
Context Matters in Top-Four Race
The three points cut the gap to two. “We have closed the gap to two points, and that does make it look a damn sight healthier,” Downey observed.
Guy Drinkel echoed the urgency: “If we are to get top five, we just have to keep putting results together.” He emphasised the need for control, warning, “We can’t just take leads and invite pressure.”
Liverpool did exactly that late on, but this time they held firm. “Big players stood up when they were needed,” Downey concluded.
It was not vintage. It was not comfortable. But it was vital.
