Sunderland vs Liverpool LIVE
Virgil van Dijk was Liverpool’s hero as they beat Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light. It was a landmark result for multiple reasons, not least because it saw the Reds become the first team to defeat the Black Cats at their home ground this season. If that wasn’t enough of an accolade, it also saw Liverpool get back to winning ways after a galling late defeat by Manchester City at Anfield last time out.
They were made to be patient as they hunted for this win, though. After a goalless first-half, Van Dijk rose highest to nod a corner home on the hour mark, and that lead held through to the final whistle despite a nervy moment from Robin Roefs, which almost gifted the visitors a second.
It was not all good news for Liverpool, though, as they picked up yet another injury. Wataru Endo, filling in at right-back, was stretchered off in the second-half with a nasty-looking ankle injury, which only compounds Slot’s constant fitness worries. Catch up with the game as it happened below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis.
Sunderland vs Liverpool latest updates
- REPORT
- INJURY: Endo stretched off, replaced by Gomez
- GOAL! Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool: Van Dijk heads in opener from corner | 61'
- OFF THE WOODWORK! Wirtz hits the post | 33'
- Sunderland team news
- Liverpool team news
Arne Slot issues worrying Wataru Endo injury update after midfielder stretchered off
22:47 , Alex DakersArne Slot said he expects Wataru Endo to be sidelined for “quite a long time” after he was stretchered off in the second-half of Liverpool’s win over Sunderland.
The Reds have injuries piling up, with right-back proving a growing problem area. Endo started there at the stadium of Light amid injuries to usual first-choices Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley.
Two reliable deputies in Joe Gomez and Dominik Szoboszlai were both unavailable, too. The former was not yet match fit having recently returned from an injury lay-off of his own, while the latter was suspended.
Curtis Jones has also taken up the mantle at right-back this season, with Endo becoming the seventh Liverpool player to start there this season at the Stadium of Light.
But he could not complete the match, as he left the pitch on a stretcher following a nasty fall.
He appeared to suffer an ankle injury after going to ground in an awkward fashion with just over 20 minutes left to play. He was replaced by Gomez.
The Japan international appeared to be in agony after hitting the turf, and medics applied an inflatable brace to his leg before removing him from the pitch.
Read what Slot told us about Endo’s injury after full-time here.
Wirtz reaction
22:33 , Alex DakersHere’s some reaction from Florian Wirtz, now...
“We had to bring everything on the pitch to get the win here, everyone knows it’s not easy - it’s the first time [Sunderland] have a defeat at home.
“We’re really happy to have the three points, it’s important for us.”
On his own performance, which included several shots at goal - one of which hit the post: “I was okay, a few good moments, a few not so good moments, in the end I tried to have some chances to score or give some good passes.
“We won in the end, so it doesn’t matter how I performed!”
He continued: “Every good game gives you confidence when you get the ball and can do sometimes special things. It’s good to have these games because you can’t impact every game, although of course you want to.
On keeping a clean sheet: “Everyone knows in our team that we have to stay focused until the last minute, and we did it brilliantly today. Working hard together, not conceding a goal, so really happy about that.”
On looking ahead to this weekend’s FA Cup fourth round tie with Brighton: “Of course, the club deserves to win trophies, the fans and of course us players always want to win something.
“That [FA Cup fourth round match against Brighton] is an opportunity to go a step closer so let’s take that, and we’ll see.”
Report: Van Dijk header ends Black Cats' unbeaten home streak
22:26 , Alex DakersVirgil van Dijk’s second-half header saw Liverpool end Sunderland’s unbeaten Premier League run at home with a 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light.
Florian Wirtz came closest to opening the scoring in the first half but his effort hit the post.
Liverpool did break the deadlock in the 61st minute when Van Dijk flicked home a header from Mohamed Salah’s corner.
The Reds then safely saw out the game to move three points away from the top four and end the Black Cats’ unbeaten run of 12 league games at the Stadium of Light.
Reaction from Van Dijk
22:19 , Alex DakersSome immediate pitch-side reaction from Liverpool captain and goal-scorer Virgil van Dijk, who was pleased to hear the winner had indeed been credited to him despite taking a touch off Sunderland’s Habib Diarra on the line...
“Great win, hard work on a very interesting, difficult pitch,” the Dutchman said.
“Pleased with the three points, we go again at the weekend.”
He continued: “To come here and play like we did today, [it was a] well-deserved three points, great game - we’ll take it and move on.
On the Black Cats’ losing their unbeaten home record: “[Sunderland] showed this season how difficult it is to beat them. Credit to them, very hard working team with their fans behind them, it’s a good atmosphere.”
On Liverpool’s clean sheet: “Very important [to get a clean sheet]. Proud of the guys, they worked so hard for this today, it’s great to see.”
On getting three points away from home in the fight for Champions League places: “We can’t deny it feels very big but there are still 12 more games to go. We have to keep improving, try to find consistency.
“We have to try and keep building, try to stay fit as well, stay confident. Today was a great step forward in terms of our performance with and without the ball, so now it’s time to recover before playing Brighton, a very difficult team.”
FT: Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:12 , Alex DakersThat’s it!
A big away win for Liverpool, who end Sunderland’s 12-game unbeaten run at home through a Virgil van Dijk header.
Full report and reaction to follow!
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:11 , Alex Dakers90+8mins: Sunderland have everyone up for a deep free-kick, but Dan Ballard pulls Virgil van Dijk to the ground in a battle of the big men and it’s Liverpool’s ball.
Is that it?
CLOSE! Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:10 , Alex Dakers90+7mins: Salah nearly makes it two to Liverpool but he rifles wide of the far post.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:09 , Alex Dakers90+6mins: No luck from that corner, with the big men not involved, but a minute later Robin Roefs nearly makes a hash of his clearance under pressure from Curtis Jones before whacking it away.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:08 , Alex Dakers90+5mins: Salah’s effort is deflected wide and he’ll take Liverpool’s corner.
Van Dijk and Konate stay back for this one.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:06 , Alex Dakers90+3mins: Dan Ballard can’t get enough on his header to direct the ball goalward and it’s Alisson’s free-kick.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:06 , Alex Dakers90+2mins: Wilson Isidor replaces Habib Diarra for Sunderland as the Black Cats strive for an equaliser.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:05 , Alex Dakers90+1mins: Joe Gomez does well to cushion a wind-stricken Sunderland cross back to Alisson, but there weren’t many attackers near that one.
The Black Cats need a goal here, or their unbeaten home run is at an end.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:04 , Alex Dakers90mins: Seven minutes added on.
Fan reaction: Chiesa's limited involvement
22:02 , Alex DakersChiesa getting his usual five minutes 🙄 Poor lad deserves a lot better. #SUNLIV
— Knitty Kitty with the fabulous titties 😻🙄 (@HotKat74) February 11, 2026
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:01 , Alex Dakers88mins: Here comes relatively forgotten man Federico Chiesa, replaces the somewhat wasteful Hugo Ekitike for Liverpool.
The substitution comes after Curtis Jones whips a shot towards goal from just inside the area, but it sails high of the mark.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:59 , Alex Dakers85mins: Five minutes to go here plus stoppages, which we’ll have a fair few of due to Endo’s injury.
Fan reaction
21:58 , Alex DakersLiverpool and Wataru Endo will certainly hope this assessment doesn’t turn out to be accurate...
Endo has been substituted off on a stretcher due to a left ankle injury.
— FPL Physio (@FPLPhysioo) February 11, 2026
The foot in an external rotation relative to the lower leg, similar to the mechanism that caused Isak's fracture.
I wouldn't rule out the same injury here.
Endo is probably out for months. pic.twitter.com/qnZZaaHUHH
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:58 , Alex Dakers84mins: Sunderland are having a go here but their deliveries keep struggling to find their target in the Liverpool box.
Fan reaction: Ekitike vs Firmino
21:56 , Alex DakersDifference between Ekitike and Firmino is that after the flair, passes were complete, right weight, right place & Bobby could head the ball. Ekitike good but can do more. #SUNLIV
— Zakhele Mbatha (@mzeke2003) February 11, 2026
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:53 , Alex Dakers80mins: Angulo, Hume and Alderete - who took a knock moments ago - off for Sunderland.
On come Talbi, Mundle and Geertruida.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:52 , Alex Dakers77mins: Hugo Ekitike nodded the ball across goal against Man City last weekend and he does the same thing here, missing narrowly wide to the left after Robertson crosses into the area.
Sunderland changes incoming.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:50 , Alex Dakers76mins: Nordi Mukiele has a go from a tight angle, but can’t keep it down.
Good response from the hosts to going behind, though.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:48 , Alex Dakers75mins: An unenforced change for Liverpool now, as Cody Gakpo is replaced by Curtis Jones.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:46 , Alex Dakers72mins: Sunderland are appealing for a penalty as Ibrahima Konate just about gets the ball away from Brian Brobbey’s feet as he goes to ground.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:44 , Alex Dakers71mins: Salah whacks a shot off Enzo Le Fee’s hand, but the Sunderland man is facing the other way.
We play on.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:42 , Alex Dakers69mins: Enzo is stretchered off in what looks to be considerable pain and taken down the tunnel.
Not nice to see at all.
Joe Gomez comes on, making his return from several matches out through injury, and will fill in at right-back.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:41 , Alex Dakers68mins: A lengthy delay this, as the stretcher is brought on for Endo.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:38 , Alex Dakers65mins: Endo is down again and receiving treatment on the pitch now.
Liverpool’s injury woes go from worse to terrible, another (stand-in) right-back having to go off.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:37 , Alex Dakers63mins: Endo has hurt himself, going over awkwardly on his ankle, but he hobbles on for now as Joe Gomez gets to his feet on the touchline.
Sunderland have a corner but it comes to nothing despite an acrobatic attempt, which Alisson saves.
Great pressure from the Black Cats and Gravenberch concedes another corner.
GOAL! Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool: Van Dijk | 61'
21:35 , Alex Dakers61mins: The Reds finally have their breakthrough, and it’s from a Salah corner - but is it an own goal?
I think that’ll be given to Virgil van Dijk, who got the initial flick-on before it hit Sunderland’s Habib Diarra on the line on its way in.
It is indeed the Dutchman’s goal!
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:33 , Alex Dakers60mins: Another red and white shirt gets to the corner delivery first, and Liverpool reset again.
Salah to take.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:33 , Alex Dakers59mins: Up the other end, Reinildo puts in a vital block to send Salah’s shot behind for another Liverpool corner after Hugo Ekitike nutmegs Ballard.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:32 , Alex Dakers58mins: Nordi Mukiele charges forward now but drags his effort wide of the near post.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:31 , Alex Dakers57mins: A great tackle from Ballard sets Sunderland away on a counter attack, but Brian Brobbey is flagged for offside.
Fan reaction
21:30 , Alex DakersLiverpool have had 8 corners today compared to Sunderland’s one.#LFC #SUNLIV
— LFCcharter (@LFCcharter) February 11, 2026
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:29 , Alex Dakers55mins: Salah’s delivery is punched out by Roefs and Wirtz’s second chance effort is cleared for a Liverpool throw-in.
It’s worked to Wirtz on the edge of the area but his shot is blocked by Dan Ballard, who has also been excellent so far tonight - as he has for the entire campaign, really.
More good play from the German, though.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:28 , Alex Dakers54mins: Now, left winger Angulo gets back to help left-back Reinildo in defence as Liverpool win a corner.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:27 , Alex Dakers53mins: A great battle there between Alexis Mac Allister and Nilson Angulo ends with a free-kick to Liverpool.
That didn’t look malicious at all, but it did get a bit scrappy.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:26 , Alex Dakers53mins: Robin Roefs takes a free-kick inside his own box after being clattered into by a frustrated Hugo Ekitike.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:25 , Alex Dakers51mins: A smidge over 70% possession for the Black Cats so far in this half, essentially a reversal of Liverpool’s on-ball dominance from the opening period.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:24 , Alex Dakers50mins: The hosts have started this half brightly, as they did the first.
No real clear cut chances to show for it yet, though, as Trai Hume goes for goal from distance but it swerves high and wide to the right.
Alisson watches it the entire way.
Fan reaction
21:21 , Alex DakersI’ve covered a few Liverpool games this season and I’m not sure I can agree with this, particularly given they’re yet to score - but the optimism is what the Reds need!
Best first half of football from Liverpool this season. Wirtz on another level to everyone else.#SUNLIV
— Mikhael Kantroo (@mikhaelkantroo) February 11, 2026
And I’m not sure if the title defence is on with a win, but the race for Champions League football certainly would be!
If we win today, we'll finally reach 42 points after 26 matches. We shall be back in the title race 🌚 #SUNLIV
— Zany (@Susanne30012206) February 11, 2026
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:21 , Alex Dakers47mins: A dangerous cross from Nilson Angulo is cleared from danger by Virgil van Dijk.
Good skill from Sunderland’s new boy to beat his man and whip that one in.
Back underway
21:19 , Alex Dakers46mins: We go again!
Fan reaction: Gakpo receiving little love
21:18 , Alex DakersWe really do miss Diaz, Gakpo has zero pace or dynamic and kills our attacks.
— John. (@Jwhennry) February 11, 2026
Badly need wingers in summer. #SUNLIV
The biggest downgrade in football history.#SUNLIV #Liverpool #LFC #YNWA pic.twitter.com/befQrW6bUU
— birukLFC🇬🇧🇪🇹 (@EthioAnfild) February 11, 2026
Second half soon
21:17 , Alex DakersWe’ll be back in action at the Stadium of Light in a few moments.
Liverpool are out on the rain-slicked pitch already.
Fan reaction: Robertson deserving of more minutes?
21:13 , Alex DakersWhat a difference in an attacking sense when Robbo plays! He’s been outstanding tonight so far.
— Grant (@grantybaz74) February 11, 2026
They need to share the minutes better with Kerkez.
Just crazy to leave Robbo on the bench and only playing him 1 out of 5.#SUNLIV
Half-time stats: Liverpool on top, but nothing to show for it
21:07 , Alex Dakers14 shots for Liverpool in that opening period and comfortably the lion’s share of possession, but no goals to show for their efforts.
Liverpool attempted 14 shots in the first half, more than they’ve managed in any opening 45 minutes of an away game this season. 🎯 🔥#SUNLIV #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/lt7BEhfCD0
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) February 11, 2026
Only two shots on target from the Reds, plus one from bright spark Wirtz that clipped the post.
Sunderland have had two efforts in total, with only one of them - a speculative long-range attempt from Deadline Day signing Nilson Angulo, making his first start today - on target.
HT: Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:03 , Alex DakersThe whistle goes!
All square at the break here at the Stadium of Light, with the Reds dominant but yet to find a breakthrough against a resolute home defence.
Back shortly!
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:02 , Alex Dakers45+2mins: Konate and Brobbey collide in the box again but the referee and the VAR say there’s nothing in it again. Mutual holding.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:01 , Alex Dakers45+1mins: Just one minute added.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:01 , Alex Dakers45mins: We’re in play again, and Liverpool continue to search for a breakthrough.
Dan Ballard heads out of his own box again and Alexis Mac Allister halts the Sunderland counter.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:00 , Alex Dakers44mins: Habib Diarra looks to be hurt - he took a heavy touch and Cody Gakpo stood on his foot.
Liverpool kick the ball out of play while the Sunderland man gets to his feet gingerly.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:58 , Alex Dakers42mins: Delivered by Salah from the opposite side, and it’s sent out for another corner there.
Sunderland clear this one too, the ball is worked back to Salah on the right wing but his cross is caught by Roefs.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:57 , Alex Dakers42mins: Another inswinger from Gakpo, another delivery headed away by Dan Ballard.
The follow-up is knocked behind by Hume, Liverpool corner again as we approach the interval.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:57 , Alex Dakers41mins: Another low cross, this time from Andy Robertson on the left, is this time turned behind by Roefs.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:56 , Alex Dakers41mins: Liverpool are up in their attacking half again but a low cross from Wataru Endo on the right is claimed by Robin Roefs.
69% possession for the visitors so far.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:55 , Alex Dakers39mins: Brobbey and Konate give each other a bit of a tussle when chasing a ball into the box, which the home crowd are up in arms about, but there was more physicality from the Sunderland man there.
We play on.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:55 , Alex Dakers39mins: Sunderland haven’t had many attacks since the opening minutes, and this latest one ends in Nilson Angulo having a go from distance but it’s an easy save for Alisson.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:53 , Alex Dakers38mins: Now it’s Roefs in the right place at the right time, making himself large to stop a half-chance from Florian Wirtz after Dan Ballard’s attempted clearance went up rather than out in the box.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:53 , Alex Dakers37mins: Noah Sadiki is in the right place at the right time to cut out a pass from Gakpo in the box, before Hugo Ekitike gives away a foul.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:52 , Alex Dakers36mins: Virgil van Dijk receives the ball just inside the box and goes for goal, but Omar Alderete heads it behind for a corner - which is taken, and cleared by the hosts.
OFF THE WOODWORK! Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:50 , Alex Dakers33mins: Cody Gakpo finds Florian Wirtz in the area, and the German playmaker’s effort clips the bottom of the right-hand post.
He’s had Liverpool’s two best efforts so far.
A minute earlier, Hugo Ekitike had a long-range effort blocked.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:48 , Alex Dakers32mins: Trai Hume whips in a cross from deep but there’s too much on it and Alisson claims.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:47 , Alex Dakers31mins: The Dutchman’s inswinger finds the head of his countryman Virgil van Dijk, but the towering centre-half is half turned away from it and nods over.
Mo Salah looks to be man marking big Dan Ballard at these attacking corners, evidently trying to prevent his clearances.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:46 , Alex Dakers30mins: Here we go!
Florian Wirtz lets fly from just outside the area and Robin Roefs makes an excellent save to his right.
Gakpo takes the resulting corner...
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:45 , Alex Dakers29mins: Dan Ballard hoofs a loose ball out of his penalty area and gets his toe trodden on by Florian Wirtz, who was also going for it, but there’s nothing really in that.
Fan reaction
20:44 , Alex DakersAnother displeased Liverpool fan.
Luke does have a point - plenty of spending last summer, but a few injuries and all of a sudden Arne Slot’s struggling squad does look fairly light compared to some of their rivals.
How have we ended up in this position. No pace, no 6 in the squad, midfielders playing at fullback and light up top. Is that what £450m does for you? #SUNLIV
— Luke Read (@luke_read88) February 11, 2026
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:43 , Alex Dakers27mins: The crowd dish out a lengthy applause in memory of George Forster, a Sunderland fan who passed away this week aged 99.
Black Cats skipper Trai Hume carried out a shirt with his name on it prior to kick-off.
A lovely touch.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:41 , Alex Dakers26mins: Ryan Gravenberch tries to find Andy Robertson with a long ball into the Sunderland penalty area but it’s too high for the Scot.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:41 , Alex Dakers25mins: Sunderland (full) debutant Nilson Angulo is a little bit overly aggressive in challenging for the ball and gives away another free-kick to Liverpool.
The visitors don’t do much with it, though, as it’s in their own half.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:39 , Alex Dakers24mins: Trai Hume takes a long free-kick from just inside the Liverpool half but it’s dealt with.
Mo Salah is dragged down by Reinildo, who concedes a foul and is shown a yellow card - our first booking of the day.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:38 , Alex Dakers22mins: Roefs clears it and Sunderland attempt to break but lose possession, leading Liverpool to have another go.
Roefs comes out to claim a loose ball near his six-yard box, though, and the danger evaporates for now.
Cody Gakpo maybe could have been a bit quicker to try and pounce first, there.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:37 , Alex Dakers22mins: Up the other end, Liverpool have a corner. Gakpo to take.
Fan reaction: Konate praise
20:36 , Alex DakersHe’s been the subject of much speculation this season, Ibrahima Konate, as his contract continues to run down, but that was indeed a quality piece of defensive work.
Ibou did brilliantly there. #SUNLIV
— Scott G. (@TheGraySon72) February 11, 2026
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:35 , Alex Dakers20mins: Sunderland do go long with this throw, but Van Dijk heads it clear.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:35 , Alex Dakers19mins: A relatively risk-averse opening period from both of these sides in the rain and the wind.
As I say that, Sunderland break and Mukiele nearly finds Brian Brobbey in the middle with one cross, requiring Ibrahima Konate to make a crucial clearance, before Mukiele’s second attempted delivery is sent out for a throw-in by Virgil van Dijk.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:33 , Alex Dakers17mins: Nordi Mukiele whips a cross in from the right but makeshift right-back Wataru Endo clears for Liverpool.
Back into the home half we go.
Fan thoughts: Right foot, right side (and vice versa)?
20:30 , Alex Dakers#SUNLIV #PL
— Mark ⚽ 🎾 🏁 (@footballmark808) February 11, 2026
Defenders all know that Cody Gakpo is going to cut in on his right foot.
He's easy to defend against.
I personally hate right-footed players playing on the left, and vice-versa.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:29 , Alex Dakers13mins: I’ve been banging on about Sunderland’s unbeaten home run, but at 12 games and counting it is the longest such streak for a newly-promoted side in the Premier League since Nottingham Forest in 1977/78.
Impressive stuff.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:25 , Alex Dakers10mins: Liverpool then try to find Hugo Ekitike with a through ball to the left of the penalty box, but Roefs is out to claim it.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:25 , Alex Dakers9mins: Ibrahima Konate goes for goal from outside the box, but misses high and wide to the left.
Fan thoughts
20:24 , Alex DakersWould this work?
Salah and Wirtz don't wana get involved in aerial challenges so why not leave them on the halfway line as a threat instead of bringing 11 men back to defend every set piece #SUNLIV #YNWA @LFC
— Pól O'Corbhúi (@OCorbhuiPol) February 11, 2026
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:23 , Alex Dakers7mins: No dice from the initial delivery, and Dan Ballard - knowing Hugo Ekitike is bearing down on him - knocks the follow-up back for Roefs to gather, having headed clear Mo Salah’s initial cross straight from the set-piece.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:22 , Alex Dakers7mins: Liverpool have their first corner of the evening as Omar Alderete puts it behind.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:21 , Alex Dakers6mins: A needed spell in possession for Liverpool, who launch a cross into Sunderland’s box which Robin Roefs pulls an Alisson - leaping and punching clear - to deal with.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:20 , Alex Dakers4mins: Alisson comes flying out to punch the dead-ball delivery out for a throw, from which Sunderland go short to left-back Reinildo again.
Are the rainy and windy conditions playing a part in those decisions? We shall see.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:18 , Alex Dakers3mins: The corner ends up in Alisson’s hands but Sunderland press brilliantly at the restart to put Liverpool’s defence under pressure repeatedly.
A free-kick to the hosts now, for their troubles.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:17 , Alex Dakers2mins: Never mind, the Black Cats trick us all and go short with their throw.
It works, though, and Andy Robertson has to concede a corner when the ball eventually comes in.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:17 , Alex Dakers2mins: The hosts went straight back to Robin Roefs from kick-off and the goalie launched it long, but the possession doesn’t last long.
They soon have it back though, Sunderland, with a long throw-in incoming.
KICK-OFF!
20:16 , Alex Dakers1min: Sunderland get us underway at the Stadium of Light after a bit of Elvis Presley rings out!
What will the next 90-odd minutes bring?
Let’s find out!
Out on the pitch
20:13 , Alex DakersKick-off is moments away now as the players take to the pitch.
A quick reminder of our line-ups...
Sunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Sadiki, Diarra; Hume, Le Fee, Angulo; Brobbey
Subs: Ellborg, Cirkin, O’Nien, Geertruida, Rigg, Mundle, Isidor, Mayenda, Talbi
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Endo, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Subs: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Kerkez, Chiesa, Jones, Nyoni, Ramsay, Morrison, Ngumoha
Players in the tunnel
20:12 , Alex DakersBoth sets of teams are in the tunnel at the Stadium of Light.
Here we go, folks!
Pre-match stats
20:10 , Alex DakersSunderland last beat Liverpool 14 years ago, with a 1-0 home victory.
Meanwhile, all three of the Reds’ Premier League losses in this fixture have come away.
Worryingly for Arne Slot, Liverpool have conceded six stoppage time goals in the league this season, including one (nearly two) last time out against Manchester City (who, by the way, are 2-0 up against Fulham at the moment).
Fan reaction: What will Liverpool take from tonight's game?
20:07 , Alex DakersCan't believe the new low our season has come to where I'm genuinely worried we don't come away with anything from Sunderland tonight #SUNLIV pic.twitter.com/2EIIrneRxy
— Roy O (@cro1) February 11, 2026
To be fair, Roy, seven teams have been beaten by Sunderland here at the Stadium of Light this season and only five have escaped with a point. None have left with all three on offer.
What will Liverpool manage? We’ll soon find out!
Ten to go
20:05 , Alex Dakers10 minutes more until our scheduled kick-off time!
Regis Le Bris speaks pre-match
20:03 , Alex Dakers“We’ll try to be ourselves - it’s a question of togetherness, intensity, and after that we’ll see” says Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris.
The Frenchman has also addressed his decision to hand a full debut to Deadline Day signing Nilson Angulo, the 22-year-old Ecuadorian winger, and his side’s confidence from their unbeaten home streak.
Listen below:
RLB ahead of #SUNLIV 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/NFNLQDqBOX
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) February 11, 2026
A strong first season in Sunderland for Robin Roefs
20:00 , Alex DakersWarm-ups are wrapping up here at the Stadium of Light.
Here’s Sunderland ‘keeper Robin Roefs getting ready to defend the Black Cats’ unbeaten home run.
A reminder that Regis Le Bris and his men are yet to lose here this season and summer signing Roefs has been a big part of that, conceding just nine goals on home soil - the fewest of any Premier League team aside from top two Arsenal and Manchester City!
Slot explains Endo selection at right-back
19:56 , Alex DakersNow, here’s Arne Slot addressing his selection...
"Throughout the whole season it is like this, so it is not the first time [having a stand-in right-back].
“Endo is now playing as a full-back and we have struggled for that position. The two we have for that position, Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong have been injured a lot."
Pretty straightforward from the Liverpool manager, who has presumably opted for Endo due to the Japan international’s relative experience over someone like fellow midfielder Curtis Jones or 22-year-old natural right-back Calvin Ramsay.
Fan reaction: Liverpool's right-back struggles
19:50 , Alex DakersConor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool’s top two right-backs, are both injured at the moment.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Arne Slot’s preferred stand-in option, is suspended, while Joe Gomez is only fit enough for the bench as he comes back from a latest injury of his own.
That all means Wataru Endo is the Reds’ right-back today, a position he has played in before this season due to injuries but nonetheless a relatively unfamiliar one for the 33-year-old midfielder.
Still, it sounds like this visiting fan would have rather seen young Scottish right-back Calvin Ramsay - who is beside Joe Gomez and left-back Milos Kerkez on the bench - given a chance.
We literally have 3 defenders on the bench, 1 being an actual RB….and he’s playing Endo there instead….
— Gavlaaa (@TheRealGSR_7) February 11, 2026
Predicting all of Sunderland’s attacks will be down their left 😑🫠 #SUNLIV
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