Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool result: Virgil van Dijk nets winner as Arne Slot’s Reds close gap to top four by inflicting first home loss on Black Cats

Virgil van Dijk struck a crucial winner as Liverpool closed the gap on their rivals for the Champions League places with a 1-0 victory that inflicted a first home loss on Sunderland.

The visitors were dominant throughout the first half and almost broke the deadlock when Florian Wirtz’s low strike came back off the far post.

Arne Slot’s champions continued to probe in the second half and struck what proved to be the only goal of the contest on 61 minutes when Van Dijk nodded in Mohamed Salah’s right-wing corner.

Sunderland pushed for a late equaliser but failed to trouble Alisson as Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were imperious in the visiting defence.

The result means the Merseysiders remain sixth but move to within two points of fifth-placed Chelsea and three off Manchester United in fourth.

Sunderland, who lost for the first time in their 13th home match on their return to top flight, are six points further back in 11th spot.

Next up, Liverpool host Brighton in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round on Saturday night. Sunderland are also in cup action and visit Oxford United on Sunday.

"On a very, very interesting (and) difficult pitch, but pleased with the three points.
"To come here, to play like we did today, well deserved three points so we’ll take it and move on."

On facing Sunderland: "They showed this season how difficult it is to beat them and a lot of credit to them.
"It’s a very hard working team and with their fans behind them makes it a good atmosphere."

On keeping a clean sheet: Ibou [Konate] was outstanding, Macca [Mac Allister] in front, everyone put in a shift. Proud of the guys, they worked so hard for this today and it’s great to see."

On chasing a Champions League spot: "Can’t deny that feels very big but there are still 12 more games to go so we’ve got to keep improving trying to find consistency. We have to try and keep building, try and stay fit and stay confident and keep improving. Today was a great step forward with and without the ball so now we recover."

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There are games of great importance at the top and bottom of the table, as the season begins to reach its business end.

"I thought they were really good value for the points. I think it was a really professional performance from Liverpool. I think they will be delighted with the clean sheet, I thought the two centre halves were solid tonight, played like leaders; that gave them the base.

"They won it from a set piece. A great header from van Dijk – he steps forward again. Huge for Liverpool.

"I think to a man, defensively they were much improved.

"A big night. They are chasing the Champions League places. It’s so important for them. They came here tonight under pressure and thoroughly deserved the win."

Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool.

Salah seizes upon Jones' flick on and rifles a volley just wide of the far post.

The visitors are trying to run the clock down in the home side's half.

Tome running out for The Black Cats....

Diarra off, Isidor on.

Seven minutes added.

Ekitike off, Chiesa on.

A tidy counter attack ends with Jones swinging a first-time effort from Salah's cut back over the bar.

The visitors have relinquished some of the momentum since taking the lead and look intent to try and soak up what is thrown at them.

It hasn't worked on several occasions for Slot this season - will his defence stand tall tonight?

Liverpool would remain sixth but move to within two points of fifth-placed Chelsea and three off Manchester United in fourth.

Sunderland would lose a PL game at home for the first time this season and sit 11th.

SUNDERLAND CHANGES

Geertruida, Mundle and Talbi on.

Angulo, Hume and Alderete off.

Ekitike guides a header just wide after making a clever run to meet Robertson's left-wing cross.

Mukiele fakes to cross and ghosts past Wirtz before firing over the top from the right side of the box.

He had teammates in the middle and free on the penalty spot there too.

Jones on for Gakpo.

Brian Brobbey goes down under a challenge from Konate and wants a penalty.

It's actually an excellent tackle and the follow-up strike is well blocked before Hume heads over from a left wing delivery.