Van Dijk header seals historic away win as Liverpool end Sunderland’s home fortress

Liverpool delivered a commanding display at the Stadium of Light to become the first side to defeat Sunderland at home in the Premier League this season, with captain Virgil van Dijk netting the decisive goal in a hard-fought 1-0 victory, Sport360NG reports.

The Dutch defender struck shortly after the hour mark, rising highest to meet a corner from Mohamed Salah. His header, directed goalward, was inadvertently turned into the net by Sunderland’s Habib Diarra, who could not prevent the ball crossing the line despite being stationed on it.

Under head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool controlled proceedings for much of the contest, enjoying 68 percent possession in a dominant first-half display. However, they initially found it difficult to break down a disciplined Sunderland backline marshalled by Regis Le Bris.

The visitors’ most threatening moments before the interval came through Florian Wirtz. The German midfielder tested goalkeeper Robin Roefs with a fierce long-range effort that was parried away, before striking the post from inside the area moments later. Wirtz also saw a header comfortably saved as Liverpool intensified the pressure.

Despite being largely pinned back, registering only five touches inside Liverpool’s penalty area in the opening half, Sunderland managed to reach the break with the scores level.

The hosts showed greater intent after the restart, with captain Trai Hume firing over the bar. Yet it was Liverpool who found the breakthrough their dominance warranted, Van Dijk’s fourth goal of the campaign ultimately proving decisive.

The win was tempered by concern for Wataru Endo, who was making his first league start of the season while deputising at right-back due to the suspension of Dominik Szoboszlai. Endo had impressed defensively, winning a match-high seven duels, before landing awkwardly on his ankle soon after Liverpool took the lead. The Japan international was stretchered off and replaced by Joe Gomez, recently back from injury.

The result marked only Liverpool’s second league triumph of 2026 but moved them to within two points of fifth-placed Chelsea. Sunderland, meanwhile, remain 11th as their previously formidable home record was finally breached.