5 talking points as Van Dijk fires Liverpool to win but injury curse continues

READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold faces new Real Madrid threat as immediate talks plannedREAD MORE: Liverpool boss stunned Trent Alexander-Arnold before Real Madrid switch – ‘Is this a joke?’

1. Needs must for Slot

Although they splurged £449million in the summer, Liverpool are light on numbers. The Reds’ lack of depth in defence has cost them throughout the season and with makeshift right-back Dominik Szoboszlai suspended for THAT red card, Slot needed to call on someone from the fringes.

In came Wataru Endo, a midfielder by trade, for his only his second Premier League start in two seasons and first this term. Joe Gomez was fit enough for the bench while natural right-back Calvin Ramsay was an option, but Slot chose Endo to plug the most gaping gap in his line-up.

BACK THE MIRROR! Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search

2. Wirtz finding his Flo

Wirtz copped plenty of criticism in the months following his £116million transfer. In an era defined by statistics, you didn’t need to go far to find a fan or pundit comparing his underwhelming numbers at Liverpool to his prolific Bayer Leverkusen career.

Recently, though, Wirtz looks a lot more settled, especially playing off Hugo Ekitike. The German was Liverpool’s bright spark as they dominated the opening 45 minutes here.

Wirtz showed neat footwork to fire off a shot which agonisingly hit the post. That was one of Liverpool’s 14 attempts on Sunderland’s goal before the break, although just two of them were on target and were dealt with by Roefs.

3. Liverpool’s improved set pieces

One of the reasons for Liverpool’s woes this season has been their poor record at set pieces. Heading into this round of matches, only Wolves had scored fewer goals from dead balls than the Reds.

But after Szoboszlai’s free-kick against Manchester City and Van Dijk’s header at the Stadium of Light, things are improving. Mo Salah’s corners was a threat all game, with Roefs having to punch clear on multiple occasions.

In the 61st minute, however, the Dutchman couldn’t intervene and was punished by his compatriot. Van Dijk rose highest to meet Salah’s delivery and his header found the net via a deflect off the head of Habib Diarra.

4. Endo adds to injury woes

It was a good response from Sunderland after going behind. The Black Cats immediately started chasing the game and went in search of an equaliser as the crowd roared them on.

Although Liverpool staved off the threat, it was came at cost through Endo. The Japan international caught his ankle in the turf while clearing the ball and despite soldiering on for the resulting corner, he looked in agony and was stretchered off in place of Gomez.

5. Sunderland’s fortress falls

With only six to go, Sunderland have finally lost a home match in the Premier League. The Stadium of Light has denied the likes of Arsenal and Man City this season but Liverpool did what they couldn’t.

Thanks to Newcastle’s win on Tuesday, Regis Le Bris’ side have been bumped down to 11th place. A top-half finish will be their target for the remainder of the campaign.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us – and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.