Sunderland vs. Liverpool: Winners and Losers from Premier League Game
Liverpool overcame Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday, winning 1-0 at the Stadium of Light in the early kick-off.
The away side had already been denied a clear penalty when Lazar Markovic scored early on, and they dominated the first 45 minutes, missing a number of chances to increase their lead. A red card for Liam Bridcutt shortly after half-time should have made things easier, but Liverpool actually struggled more from that point onward.
Here are our winners and losers from the game.
Winner: Lazar Markovic
1 of 5
Lazar Markovic reverted to right wing-back for the Reds against Sunderland and put in his best 45 minutes in a Liverpool shirt in the first half.
His fine running off the ball and pace in the final third should have seen the Reds get a penalty in the first two minutes before he again burst down the channel to score the opening goal. Another terrific shot, which hit the crossbar, some tremendous defensive work and continual pressing all contributed to his good showing.
A move infield in the second half meant he wasn't in the game as much, but he still contributed plenty.
Loser: Gus Poyet
2 of 5
Gus Poyet once again saw his side fail to score in the Premier League, and they produced a very flat and uninspiring first 45 minutes.
The Reds defence kept them at bay by tackling high up the field and forcing Sunderland to either commit more players forward—something they were unwilling to do—or else hope for an error or a set piece.
Poyet brought on a number of attackers but did not really change the shape or his team's approach, and it wasn't really a surprise they failed to find a route to goal.
Winner: Lucas Leiva
3 of 5
Liverpool's central-midfield duo for the game was Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva, who dovetailed very nicely to dominate large spells of the match, win the ball at every opportunity and set play going forward.
Lucas wasn't particularly pretty with his play on a tough field and in windy conditions, but he was certainly effective. The Brazilian was quick to get into challenges high up in midfield, stopping Sunderland getting out of their own defensive third and keeping his own team on the front foot.
He has had a good run in the team of late, and the new system, in which he can push on a little more to offer support, seems to suit his game.
Losers: Sunderland Defence, Particularly Vergini
4 of 5
Sunderland's entire back four failed to impress in the first half, with Wes Brown lucky not to give a penalty away after two minutes and spaces being left open time and time again for much of the first hour.
Santiago Vergini was probably most culpable, not getting close to Philippe Coutinho or Alberto Moreno despite not an awful lot of Liverpool's play going down the left flank. He failed to make challenges, lost the ball going forward and was booked.
Late in the game, he could have seen red for a poor reaction to a challenge.
Winner: Simon Mignolet
5 of 5
Some heavy criticism has gone Simon Mignolet's way over the past few months, so it's time to offer him some deserved praise after a good, confident display.
The Belgian started by punching a corner clear and seemed to grow from there, kicking well—even into the wind—and taking more high balls with confidence.
A clean sheet and a victory were deserved for Mignolet, even if he got a little luck as the wind took a long-range Adam Johnson strike onto the crossbar in the second half.
