Liverpool vs. Sunderland: Score and Reaction from 2016 Premier League Match

Liverpool went top of the Premier League on Saturday afternoon courtesy of a 2-0 victory over struggling Sunderland at Anfield, but they had to do it the hard way.

David Moyes’ Black Cats, fresh off the back of two impressive wins on the spin, held firm against Jurgen Klopp’s attacking outfit until deep in the second half when they were finally breached.

Divock Origi struck with just 15 minutes remaining in the match to give Liverpool the lead, before James Milner netted from the spot to make sure of the three points in a game that rarely caught fire.

The victory came at a price, however, as star man Philippe Coutinho was forced off on a stretcher midway through the first half with a brace on his right leg, as Squawka News revealed:

Despite Sunderland picking up their first and second Premier League victories of the season in as many games, they were expected to be in for a long afternoon at Anfield.

Things didn’t quite go with the script from the off, though. While Liverpool enjoyed plenty of possession and looked adventurous, Jordan Pickford didn’t really have a shot to save in the first half.

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

The Reds simply weren’t moving the ball quick enough, as Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane failed to get a real grip on the game.

Then came what could prove to be a season-defining moment with half an hour on the clock—Coutinho went in to a 50/50 challenge with Sunderland midfielder Didier Ndong.

The Brazilian came off much worse, with his right foot looking incredibly uncomfortable after the collision, per Empire of the Kop:

Origi replaced Coutinho and immediately set about breaking down the stubborn Sunderland back line, but the teams went in at half-time level at 0-0.

The Reds had plenty of possession but didn’t show enough excitement in the final third, per Liverpool Echo’s James Pearce:

The second half was more of the same at Anfield, as Pickford found himself incredibly busy between the Black Cats’ posts.

Firmino, Milner and Emre Can all came close to breaking the deadlock, but it was looking like one of those days for the Reds.

That is, until the 75th minute, when Coutinho’s replacement Origi cut inside from the left flank and curled a beautiful effort into the far corner.

The Belgian showed incredible skill to beat his man and whip the ball home, and OptaJoe revealed that he’s proven useful when coming off the bench:

In the final 15 minutes, Sunderland pushed forward looking for an equaliser, with Jermain Defoe and Patrick van Aanholt both setting their sights on goal. But Loris Karius was never troubled.

Liverpool continued to look like the side more likely to score, and they doubled their lead with a matter of seconds remaining.

Mane was tripped up in the box by Ndong after a probing run, before Milner sent Pickford the wrong way to add gloss to the result—the England international’s fifth goal of the season.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Sunderland can come away from Anfield with their heads held high after a stubborn performance, but the Reds’ class shone through in the end.

Liverpool take on Leeds United in the League Cup quarter-finals in midweek before returning to Premier League action away at AFC Bournemouth on Sunday.

Reaction

Dave Thompson/Associated Press

After the match, Klopp said he never doubted his side would come away with all three points. He also gave his two cents on Coutinho's injury, per BBC Sport:

"

I was not in doubt about the result. I just tried to fix a few things like using space better. It was an intense game for us and a deserved win at the end. 

The excitement is in the detail and that means you have to celebrate before you score a goal and push the team on if possible. It worked out. It is important the crowd know about the importance of their support. 

It [Philippe Coutinho's injury] is an ankle injury but we can't say anymore until we see a scan. Firmino got a knock on the calf as well. That should not be that serious. 

There is a lot to analyse. This was the most defensive team I ever saw in my life. Sunderland always play a defensive style and that is OK. We forced them to be that. It is the most difficult thing in world football to come through but we stayed concentrated, worked for the moment and found a way.

"