Virgil van Dijk rises to occasion as Liverpool end Sunderland record

Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, ending the hosts' impressive 12-game unbeaten run at home in the Premier League. Virgil van Dijk's towering second-half header proved decisive, propelling the Reds three points clear of the relegation scrap and closer to the top four[1][3].

The match, played on February 11, 2026, saw Sunderland (9-9-7, 36 points) start energetically. Deadline-day signing Nilson Angulo made his full debut, linking with Nordi Mukiele for a promising chance, but Ibrahima Konaté's block denied Brian Brobbey. Alisson Becker was tested early by Trai Hume's cross and Robin Roefs' free-kick[1][3].

Liverpool (11-6-8, 39 points) grew into the game with two changes: Wataru Endo and Andy Robertson replacing Milos Kerkez and the suspended Dominik Szoboszlai. Florian Wirtz came closest in the first half, striking the post, while Mohamed Salah's corners troubled the defense[1][3].

The breakthrough arrived in the 61st minute when Van Dijk flicked in Salah's corner, silencing the crowd. Wataru Endo limped off injured soon after, replaced by Joe Gomez[1][4]. Sunderland pushed late, with Mukiele firing wide and Hugo Ekitike overhitting a cross, but Curtis Jones and Liverpool's defense held firm through seven minutes of added time[3].

Liverpool's resilience shone, with Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Reinildo Mandava featuring in key moments. This win boosts their mid-table push, while Sunderland's home fortress crumbles[1][2][3].

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