Liverpool ended Sunderland’s unbeaten home record in the Premier League as the Reds claimed a valuable victory in the race for a top-five finish thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s second-half header.
With what was only a second Premier League win in their last eight games, Arne Slot’s side ended the only unbeaten home record remaining in the top-flight as they capitalised on dropped points from fourth-place Manchester United and fifth-placed Chelsea on Tuesday night.
Liverpool, who remain sixth but are now just two points behind Chelsea, suffered another injury blow in defence, however, as stand-in right back Waturu Endo was stretchered off with an ankle injury.
Follow all the latest team news and updates from the Stadium of Light below:
Sunderland vs Liverpool live
- FULL TIME! Liverpool snap Sunderland's unbeaten home record with huge away win
- Reds go two points behind fifth-place Chelsea but lose Wataru Endo to injury
- 61' GOAL! Van Dijk header breaks deadlock as Liverpool lead [SUN 0-1 LIV]
- 32' OFF THE POST! Wirtz hits woodwork from inside the box [SUN 0-0 LIV]
- 29' SAVE! Roefs saves well from Wirtz effort [SUN 0-0 LIV]
Sean Dyche appears resigned to his fate as he reacts to Nottingham Forest fan anger
04:30 , Chris WilsonNottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche accepts his future is in the hands of owner Evangelos Marinakis after his side stuttered to a 0-0 draw against rock-bottom Wolves.
The point moves Forest three clear of the Premier League relegation zone but this felt like a damaging night for Dyche as his side drew a blank despite having 35 shots.
He was subjected to boos at full-time and trigger-happy owner Marinakis, who was at the City Ground, could well be considering the possibility of a third managerial sacking of the season.
Dyche says he is a “realist” about the situation and spoke like a man resigned to his fate.
Sean Dyche appears resigned to his fate as he reacts to Nottingham Forest fan anger
Wasteful Nottingham Forest held at home to increase pressure on Sean Dyche
03:30 , Chris WilsonNottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche came under further pressure after his side were held to a 0-0 draw against rock-bottom Wolves.
Forest completely dominated at the City Ground, peppering their visitors’ goal with 35 shots, but could not find a way through.
Although the draw moves them three points clear of the Premier League’s bottom three, this was a big chance to give themselves an even bigger cushion over 18th-placed West Ham.
Wasteful Nottingham Forest held at home to increase pressure on Sean Dyche
Burnley stun Crystal Palace to end 16-game Premier League winless streak
02:30 , Chris WilsonBurnley shocked Crystal Palace with a 3-2 comeback victory to end a 16-game Premier League winless streak and spoil Jorgen Strand Larsen’s Selhurst Park debut.
Burnley stun Crystal Palace to end 16-game Premier League winless streak
Aston Villa keep slim Premier League title hopes alive with late win over Brighton
01:30 , Chris WilsonJack Hinshelwood scored a late own goal which handed Aston Villa a scrappy 1-0 Premier League victory over Brighton.
Tyrone Mings got the plaudits after his header forced Hinshelwood to put into his own net which took Villa back within six points of Arsenal in the title race, but more realistically a step closer to securing a place in the Champions League next season.
Fabian Hurzeler saw more pressure pile onto his shoulders after his side went a sixth game without a win to sit 14th in the table following consecutive losses.
Aston Villa keep slim Premier League title hopes alive with late win over Brighton
Man City coast to close gap on Arsenal - while resting Erling Haaland for second half
00:30 , Chris WilsonErling Haaland moved joint-fourth on Manchester City’s all-time scorer’s list as Pep Guardiola’s side overpowered Fulham 3-0 to turn up the heat on Arsenal.
Haaland netted his 153rd City goal, moving him level with Colin Bell, in a comfortable victory at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday that trimmed the Gunners’ Premier League lead to three points.
Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring as he continued his superb start in City colours while Nico O’Reilly was also on target in a one-sided contest played in persistent rain.
Man City coast to close gap on Arsenal - while resting Erling Haaland for second half
Premier League results
23:30 , Chris WilsonHere’s the list of Premier League results from the latest round of fixtures then (with Arsenal still to play Brentford tomorrow):
Tuesday, 11 February
Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle
Chelsea 2-2 Leeds
Everton 1-2 Bournemouth
West Ham 1-1 Man Utd
Wednesday, 12 February
Man City 3-0 Fulham
Aston Villa 1-0 Brighton
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Wolves
Crystal Palace 2-3 Burnley
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
Thursday, 12 February
Brentford vs Arsenal
Slot: 'We showed again how well we can play'
23:20 , Chris WilsonHere’s more from Slot, as the Dutchman spoke to BBC’s Match of the Day:
"Very important. I think we dug deep, after only two days of rest. Then going to a difficult away game. We showed again how well we can play on the ball. We created so many opportunities today.
"The character we have shown throughout the whole game was very good and that is why we leave this place with a 1-0 win.
"Second half, we had so many good moments and so many moments where we had quality players in promising positions.
"The overall performance in terms of work rate was really good."
On Salah equalling Gerrard's 92 assists in the Premier League for the club, he explains: "He has so many records for this club, but to have this one combined with such a great player.
“Both were unbelievable players for this club. Unfortunately for Steven, I expect Mo to go above him. I don't expect, but I hope he goes above him."
On Endo's injury, he adds: "We don't expect a positive outcome. Like I said, we have to wait and see. We expect not to have him for quite a long time. That is not the first time with our right full-backs. We have accepted this every time. We have to find solutions to keep performing well."
Le Bris: 'Fine margins decide the game'
23:10 , Chris WilsonHere’s what sunderland boss Regis Le Bris had to say after full-time:
“I think we faced a good team with good players, four days after Arsenal, it was another big challenge,” he explains.
“The mindset was good, we lacked a bit of energy because we defended a lot, but during the second half it was better, but fine margins decide the game.
“You have to be really composed, because they defend well as well, they are compact and individually really strong,” he says
On his side’s record at home, he adds:“It’s really positive, every game at home is a tough challenge, but this place has to stay strong and with our crowd we can keep on going like that.”
Liverpool end Premier League’s only unbeaten home record with huge away win
23:00 , Chris WilsonVirgil 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.
Liverpool end Premier League’s only unbeaten home record with huge away win
Slot 'very pleased' with result
22:50 , Chris Wilson“Almost all things we did really well,” says Arne Slot on TNT Sports.
“On the ball we were very good, the only thing I can be not so positive about is if you create so many chances you should score more than one goal.
“A little bit of bad luck would not be the word I use for this season! But there were so many better chance we had, though set-pieces were very good, and that’s nice. That could be the difference between all these games we’ve had draws.
“Very pleased, like I said, in other games we deserved more but weren’t able to score from a set-piece, but tonight we weren’t able to score from open play! It’s one of the first times it makes a difference for us.
On Endo, he explains: “I don’t think we have that many injuries but you notice it earlier as our squad is not as deep as others. I expect him to be out for quite a long time, but a mentality that he stayed on the pitch and defended one more set-piece, and I think that tells you a lot about the mentality the team showed.”
“If you play for Liverpool, every game is a must-win, but that is the pressure you must accept, otherwise you play in the wrong place” he adds as he finishes.
Wirtz: 'Every good game gives you confidence'
22:40 , Chris Wilson“We had to bring everything on the pitch to get the win here, so we’re really happy. It was really important for us,” says Florian Wirtz on TNT after the final whistle.
On his own performance, he says: “It was okay, a few good moments, in the end I tried to have some chances to score, but we won in the end and it doesn’t matter how I performed.”
“Every good game gives you confidence, when you get the ball and can do special things, and its good to have these games because you cannot impact every game. Just try to get better and try to help the team win.
“Everyone knows that we have to stay focused to the last minute, and I think we did it brilliantly today, so we’re really happy.
“Of course, the club deserves to win trophies, and as players we always want to win something, so there’s one opportunity to go a step closer, so we want to take that. Let’s see,” he added as he finished.
More from Van Dijk
22:32 , Chris Wilson“Everyone was putting in a shift, but I’m proud of the guys, they worked so hard for this,” explains Van Dijk on TNT.
“We can’t deny it feels big, but there are still 12 more games to go, so we have to keep improving and trying to find consistency.
“We have to try and keep building, try and stay fit and confident, and keep improving. Today was a great step forward in terms of our performance, so now recover and we play on Saturday again. We need everyone in order to get that job done as well,” he added.
Van Dijk: Liverpool 'pleased with the three points'
22:27 , Chris Wilson“Great win, hard work on a difficult pitch, but pleased with the three points and we go again on the weekend,” says Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
“It was difficult for both teams, but to come here, play like we did today, it was a well-deserved three points, so we’ll take it.
“I think they showed this season how difficult it is to beat them, and we give a lot of credit to them, so it’s good to come here and win and keep a clean sheet,” he added.
FULL-TIME! Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:20 , Chris WilsonThat result leaves Liverpool in sixth, just two points behind fifth-place Chelsea and three behind Man Utd in fourth.
Sunderland are in 11th, six points behind the Reds but just four points away from the traditional ‘safety’ barrier of 40 points.
FULL-TIME! Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:15 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:12 , Chris WilsonBallard is penalised for fouling van Dijk in the Liverpool box and that is the final action of the game!
The Reds claim a huge three points in the battle for Europe and they end Sunderland’s unbeaten home record in the Premier League!
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:11 , Chris Wilson90 +6 mins
CLOSE! Almost a second again for Salah as Wirtz plays in a pass that sits up perfectly for the Egyptian and he hits a superb half-volley past the far post.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:10 , Chris Wilson90 +5 mins
Roefs takes a real chance in his area skipping past Jones before the Liverpool man almost reaches the clearance.
Very little time left for Sunderland to do anything here!
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:09 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
Almost a second for Liverpool! Salah gets in behind the defence but the tackle comes in and deflects the ball just wide of the near post!
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:07 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
Sunderland want a penalty again as Mundle skips past Saah before going down under the challenge from Mac Allistr, but nothing doing.
Sunderland bring off Diarra for Wilson Isidor.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:05 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Into the first of seven minutes of added time at the Stadium of Light. Gomez just did superbly to cushion a header back to Alisson.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:02 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Federico Chiesa comes on for Ekitike.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
22:01 , Chris Wilson86 mins
Sunderland are putting plenty of balls into the box but none are really troubling the visitors.
Liverpool launch a counter and it’s laid off to Jones, who fires over from outside the box.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:58 , Chris Wilson84 mins
Sunderland are putting the pressure on in the final 10 minutes but Liverpool are holding firm at the moment, van Dijk doing well to prevent Brobbey from sneaking in.
Geertruida tries to slip a pass to Le Fee but it’s too far away from the midfielder.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:56 , Chris Wilson82 mins
Almost a chance for Mundle in the Liverpool box but Gomez does well to dispossess him before clearing.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:54 , Chris Wilson80 mins
Three subs for Sunderland now as Alderete, Hume and Angulo come off for Talbi, Mundle and Geertruida.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:53 , Chris Wilson78 mins
CLOSE! Ekitike has the chance to seal the win as he’s at the end of a Robertson corner, but he heads it wide of the far post!
Elsewhere, Alderete has a problem and may need treatment.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:50 , Chris Wilson76 mins
Another waste from Mukiele as he skips past Robertson well in the box before smashing an effort that flies well wide and over.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:49 , Chris Wilson75 mins
Another sub for Liverpool as Gakpo makes way for Curtis Jones.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:47 , Chris Wilson73 mins
Sunderland fans want a penalty as Konate drags down Brobbey once again, but it was another good challenge from the Frenchman. Much better from the hosts though!
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:45 , Chris Wilson71 mins
Another Mukiele cross looks promising but it misses his teammates in the box.
At the other end, Salah’s ball in is deflected into the path of Ekitike, but he hooks it over from just a few yards!
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:42 , Chris Wilson68 mins
The stretcher comes on and Endo is taken off. He’s replaced by Joe Gomez in the latest injury worry for Liverpool.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:39 , Chris Wilson65 mins
Liverpool have some defending to do as a couple of crosses cause some pinball in the box, before a final cross is put behind for a corner.
It looks like Endo will have to come off in the end as he goes back down to receive treatment. He’d fallen right onto his right foot, which landed beneath him as he slid, and it’s a wonder he didn’t have to come off immediately.
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:37 , Chris Wilson63 mins
Sunderland go on the hunt for an equaliser but Endo makes a good clearance.
He’s briefly down after a horrible landing but he looks okay to carry on.
GOAL! Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
21:35 , Chris Wilson61 mins
GOAL! Liverpool are ahead!
The corner comes in from Salah and van Dijk does well to head towards goal. It’s heading for the corner but Diarra helps it into his own net anyway!
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:33 , Chris Wilson59 mins
An opening for Mukiele leads to the full-back taking on the shot from distance, but it skids just wide of Alisson’s near post.
At the other end, Reinildo does brilliantly to block a Salah shot that was bound for the back of the net.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:30 , Chris Wilson56 mins
More good play from Wirtz to escape a challenge in the box, before he plays a one-two with Gravenberch and then sees a shot blocked.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:28 , Chris Wilson53 mins
It’s opening up for both sides at the moment, with both creating openings near the box but some great defending preventing clear-cut chances.
Some more space is opening up in the middle of the park too as both teams hunt an opener!
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:25 , Chris Wilson50 mins
Half a chance for the hosts as Le Fee lines up a shot from distance, but he blazes it over the bar.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:24 , Chris Wilson48 mins
A good start for the hosts, with a decent spell of pressure forcing a couple of decent punches from Alisson.
Ekitike takes a superb touch on the wong to create an opening but it comes to nothing.
KICK-OFF! Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:19 , Chris WilsonBack underway at the Stadium of Light! Will Sunderland manage to extend that unbeaten home run or can Liverpool’s pressure pay off?
HALF-TIME! Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:17 , Chris WilsonA good half for the neutral at the Stadium of Light, though it’ll be Liverpool who are the happier of the two teams.
Sunderland have defended well at times but Liverpool have been dominant overall and were unlucky not to come into the break in the lead after Wirtz hit the post.
It’s all to play for in the second half but Sunderland will need to be better if they’re going to take any points this evening.
HALF-TIME! Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:11 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:05 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the first half to an end and it’s been an intriguing opening 45 minutes at the Stadium of Light.
All to play for in the second half!
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:03 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Into the first minute of added time here. The home fans are screaming for a penalty as Sadiki does well before Brobbey is hauled down by Konate, but the referee waves it away.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:02 , Chris Wilson44 mins
It must be said that Sunderland have defended pretty well on the whole despite Liverpool’s dominance. A couple of good clearances and a good challenge from Mukiele manage to releive some pressure late on in the first half.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
21:00 , Chris Wilson41 mins
Liverpool have certainly been the better team in this first half but they don’t (yet) have a goal to show for it.
Both Gakpo and Salah have corners cleared before another Salah cross is collected by Roefs.
13 shots for the visitors so far!
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:56 , Chris Wilson39 mins
And now a half-chance for the Black Cats as Angulo fires straight at Alisson before the through ball to Diarra has too much on it.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:55 , Chris Wilson37 mins
CLOSE! Another chance for Wirtz as the long ball comes over and Ballard tries to clear but can only head it upwards.
Wirtz races in and looks like he could loop and effort over the onrushing Roefs but the ‘keeper does well to smother the ball.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:53 , Chris Wilson35 mins
Liverpool are beginning to turn the screw here, with a couple of half-chances and some pinball in the box after that Wirtz chance.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:51 , Chris Wilson32 mins
OFF THE POST! Wirtz hits the woodwork!
The best chance of the game so far falls to Liverpool, as Gakpo squares a pass to the German in the box and he drags a shot across that comes back off the far post!
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:46 , Chris Wilson29 mins
SAVE! A great save from Roefs as he gets across low to his right to tip away an effort from Wirtz!
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:45 , Chris Wilson27 mins
More threat from the visitors as Sunderland are forced into a good clearing header at the near post.
Moments later, Ekitike slips in a pass to Wirtz but Ballard does well to intercept and clear.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:42 , Chris Wilson24 mins
Yellow card for Reinildo as he’s penalised for pulling back Salah.
Sunderland have just begun to fight their way back into it a little more over the last few minutes, though they look far less capable of troubling Liverpool once the visitors get men back in defence. You feel a counter-attack could be the difference!
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:38 , Chris Wilson22 mins
Good feet from Wirtz before he fires in a cross that takes a deflection and dribbles wide of the near post.
Sunderland try and mount a counter but the visitors do well to cut it out.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:35 , Chris Wilson19 mins
Half a chance for Sunderland! They work it wide to Mukiele again and the full-back fizzes a ball in towards Brobbey.
The striker gets the right side of Konate but the Frenchman does very well to prevent the shot getting away.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:34 , Chris Wilson17 mins
The first meaningful attack in a while for Sunderland, but it ends with Mukiele’s cross being headed away easily.
Neither side has been able to produce a clear-cut chance yet at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:30 , Chris Wilson14 mins
Sunderland are clearly trying to counter when given the chance but Liverpool have held firm so far as they begin to dominate possession.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:28 , Chris Wilson12 mins
Gakpo and Gravenberch try and link up on the edge of the Sunderland box but there are too many bodies in the area. The attack ends in a goal kick for the Black Cats.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:25 , Chris Wilson9 mins
A smart run by Brobbey as he tries to latch onto a ball forward, though he misjudges the bounce.
Liverpool work the ball around the box at the other end but Gakpo’s cross is cleared before Konate fires over from distance.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:23 , Chris Wilson7 mins
A bit of sustained pressure early on from the visitors, with Wirtz winning a corner, though Ballard heads away well.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:21 , Chris Wilson5 mins
Liverpool starting to grow into it as they enjoy a decent spell of possession, though it ends with Roefs punching away a cross.
Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:20 , Chris Wilson3 mins
Both sides trying to ease into the game in difficult conditions. Alisson is out well as he passes his first test of the night to punch away.
KICK-OFF! Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
20:16 , Chris WilsonThe referee gets us started at the Stadium of Light! Can Sunderland maintain their unbeaten record, or will Liverpool make up ground in the race for Europe?
Sunderland vs Liverpool live
20:12 , Chris WilsonBoth teams are out of the tunnel at the Stadium of Light, so we’ll be underway soon!
Sunderland vs Liverpool live
20:10 , Chris Wilson
Match stats
20:05 , Chris WilsonAn interesting fact for this evening’s game:
0 - Tonight's game between Sunderland and Liverpool is just the fourth match in @premierleague history to see no English players in either starting XI (after Arsenal- Portsmouth in 2009, Arsenal-Chelsea in 2019 & Fulham-Man City in 2025). International. pic.twitter.com/fSTqB83Q9c
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 11, 2026
Slot: 'We know what we have to do'
20:00 , Chris WilsonAnd Arne Slot had the following to say ahead of kick-off:
“I think we know what we have to do, 13 games to be played and we have to win a lot of them to get to the position where we want to be,” he explained.
“We also know that yesterday maybe results weren’t too bad for us, but that can change every week and we have to focus on ourselves and just make sure we get as many points as we can, and [that] our results reflect our performances,” he adds as he finishes.
Alisson: 'Sunderland are doing amazing'
19:55 , Chris Wilson"We have to take it really quickly because today is another big game and big fight,” says Liverpool ‘keeper Alisson ahead of kick-off.
"Sunderland are doing amazing, mainly at home this season. Today, we know that we need to work hard to get the three points,” he adds.
Match stats
19:50 , Chris WilsonSunderland have scored just 19 goals in 33 Premier League meetings with Liverpool (0.6 per game).
However, Sunderland have won three of their last five Premier League home games against the reigning champions (L2), including the last two against Chelsea (May 2016) and Leicester City (December 2016).
Meanwhile, though Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 19 Premier League games against promoted sides (W14 D5), they’ve drawn each of the last four.
The VAR storm missed the point of Liverpool’s defeat
19:45 , Miguel DelaneyThe article below is an excerpt from the free Monday edition of the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter. To get Miguel’s latest analysis, reporting and insights delivered straight to your inbox, sign up by entering your email address in the box above.
Members of Inside Football and Independent Premium subscribers get an extra bonus edition every Friday. Become a member at just £3 for three months here.
You could immediately see the frustration, and it was more than just Liverpool struggling to break through. As Slot’s side suddenly had to chase, and were looking to find any kind of opening around the City box, a good interchange of passes put Ryan Gravenberch on the ball just outside the area. The midfielder clearly wanted to move it out to the obvious space on the right… but there was no one there.
Mohamed Salah maybe would have been, but he was already in that morass of players in the box. Szoboszlai maybe should have been, given that he was the notional right-back, but he had already drifted inside to a more natural central position at this crucial moment.
Sunderland vs Liverpool live
19:40 , Chris WilsonThe away team have arrived at a stormy Stadium of Light...
Arne Slot admits Liverpool must be ‘close to perfection’ to avoid unacceptable season
19:35 , Chris WilsonLiverpool boss Arne Slot has said his side will have to be “close to perfection” from here in order to avoid slipping to an unacceptable season.
Liverpool led Manchester City with six minutes to go at Anfield on Sunday, in what looked set to be a huge boost for their top-four prospects, but conceded two late goals and saw Dominik Szoboszlai sent off as they slipped to a damaging 2-1 defeat.
Arne Slot admits Liverpool must be ‘close to perfection’ to avoid unacceptable season
Match stats
19:30 , Chris WilsonSunderland are winless in their last 11 Premier League games against Liverpool (D5 L6) since a 1-0 home win in March 2012.
All three of Liverpool’s Premier League defeats to Sunderland have come away from home, though they’re unbeaten in their last five visits to the Stadium of Light.
Liverpool are falling apart thanks to a disastrous transfer decision
19:20 , Chris WilsonTwo-thirds of the way into the season and Liverpool are closer to Brentford than Chelsea, nearer in terms of points to their neighbours Everton than their old enemies Manchester United. Still more damningly, they are further from league leaders Arsenal, 17 ahead of them, than West Ham, 16 behind them in the relegation zone.
It was an understatement to say their campaign was not supposed to go this way; not as defending champions, not with the £450m of spending that Arne Slot prefers to see referenced in terms of the £300m Liverpool have brought in during his reign.
Liverpool are falling apart thanks to a disastrous transfer decision
Team news
19:15 , Chris WilsonArne Slot has made two changes to the side that lost to Manchester City, with both coming in defence. The suspended Dominik Szoboszlai makes way for Wataru Endo at right-back, while Andy Robertson comes in for Milos Kerkez at left-back.
Team news
19:09 , Chris WilsonSunderland boss Regis Le Bris makes just one change to the side that lost to Arsenal, with Chemsdine Talbi making way for Nilson Angulo on the wing. Brian Brobbey leads the line once more, supported by Enzo Le Fee and Trai Hume.
Line-ups
19:04 , Chris WilsonLiverpool XI: Alisson; Endo, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Subs: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Kerkez, Chiesa, Jones, Nyoni, Ramsay, Morrison, Ngumoha.
Our side to take on Sunderland 👊 #SUNLIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 11, 2026
Line-ups
19:02 , Chris WilsonSunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Sadiki, Diarra; Angulo, Le Fee, Hume; Brobbey.
Subs: Ellborg, Cirkin, O’Nien, Geertruida, Rigg, Isidor, Mundle, Mayenda, Talbi.
RLB's XI to take on Liverpool! 👊#SUNLIV pic.twitter.com/HkME5z63pu
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) February 11, 2026
Team news
18:55 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups will be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news tonight...
Sunderland are without Granit Xhaka due to injury as well as January signing Jocelin Ta Bi, who is getting up to match fitness. Bertrand Traore may be available to return from a knee injury. Lutsharel Geertruida was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in January but remained at Sunderland and could feature against the Reds.
Liverpool’s season MVP Szoboszlai will be absent after the debacle that surrounded his late red card against City, while the club’s injury problems are not likely to improve for the trip to the north east. Joe Gomez is unlikely to make a comeback, while Jeremy Frimpong is set for a few more weeks on the sidelines. Alexander Isak, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are out for months.
Virgil van Dijk demands more from Liverpool but plays down concern over league position
18:45 , Chris WilsonLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insists there is not yet any concern about becoming detached from the top of the table.
A dramatic late defeat to Manchester City - their eighth of the Premier League campaign - left Arne Slot's side five points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United and four behind Chelsea in fifth, which increasingly looks like being the minimum requirement for Champions League qualification.
With both of their rivals playing on Tuesday the gap could be even greater before Liverpool walk out at Sunderland, who held them to a 1-1 draw at Anfield in early December and are only three points further back in ninth.
Van Dijk demands more from Liverpool but plays down concern over league position
Match stats
18:35 , Chris WilsonSunderland are unbeaten in all 12 of their Premier League home games this season (W7 D5). It’s the longest run by a promoted side from the start of a top-flight season since 1977/78.
Having won their first two away league games this season, Liverpool have since won just two of their last 10 on the road (D3 L5).
Why was Dominik Szoboszlai sent off? VAR controversy explained as Man City goal ruled out in win over Liverpool
18:27 , Chris WilsonManchester City’s crucial 2-1 victory over Liverpool ended in bizarre scenes at Anfield as Dominik Szoboszlai was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity – despite City scoring a goal from that opportunity.
Szoboszlai had earlier scored a stunning free-kick to give Liverpool the lead, before Bernardo Silva poached an equaliser and Erling Haaland converted a late penalty to give City the advantage in added time.
Rayan Cherki thought he had scored a bizarre late, late third to cap a wild game, shooting from the halfway line with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker well out of his area – only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR review, which led to Szoboszlai being sent off instead.
Why was Szoboszlai sent off? VAR controversy explained as Man City beat Liverpool
How many games is Dominik Szoboszlai suspended for after red card against Manchester City?
18:20 , Chris WilsonLiverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai will be suspended for just one match after his red card against Manchester City, with the Hungarian avoiding a three-game ban due to a specific rule.
Szoboszlai was shown a straight red card in the final minutes of Liverpool’s dramatic 2-1 loss to City at Anfield on Sunday, with the Hungarian dragging back Erling Haaland when the Norwegian was running through to tap in to an empty net.
How many games is Dominik Szoboszlai suspended for after red card against Man City?
Calm and collected Arsenal move closer to title thanks to Viktor Gyokeres brace
18:10 , Chris WilsonAnd here’s how Sunderland got on at the weekend...
Viktor Gyokeres scored a second-half brace as Arsenal piled the pressure on rivals Manchester City with a statement 3-0 win over Sunderland, to move nine points clear in the Premier League title race.
Martin Zubimendi fired Mikel Arteta’s side on their way with a brilliant long-range opener just three minutes before half time at the Emirates Stadium.
Gyokeres doubled the hosts’ advantage six minutes after he was introduced as a substitute on the hour mark. He then added a breakaway third for Arsenal deep into stoppage time.
Calm and collected Arsenal move closer to title thanks to Viktor Gyokeres brace
Man City are breathing down Arsenal’s necks after frenzy and farce in rare win over Liverpool at Anfield
18:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s the report from a crazy night at Anfield last time out...
A farcical finish, but a fantastic win for Pep Guardiola. He had waited a decade to taste victory at a full Anfield. When he did, with a comeback for the ages, seemingly capped by a goal from the halfway line into an empty net, pernickety officiating injected an element of absurd with a decision that no one wanted or needed.
And yet the overall outcome was the same. As Liverpool led, it felt as though Arsenal were about to be anointed champions. “The whole team knew before the game if we lost it then the title race was probably over,” said Bernardo Silva. Instead, he helped revive it. Erling Haaland, policed well by Virgil van Dijk, enduring a frustrating afternoon, suddenly turned catalyst. A manager who had visited Anfield 10 previous times, winning only in lockdown, got the triumph that had always eluded him. “It is so difficult,” sighed Guardiola. “Anfield is Anfield: the tradition, the history, the crowd.”
Man City are breathing down Arsenal’s necks after frenzy and farce at Anfield
When is Sunderland vs Liverpool?
17:50 , Chris WilsonSunderland’s meeting with Liverpool kicks off at 8:15pm GMT on Wednesday 11 February at the Stadium of Light.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK will be able to watch the match on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage starting at 7pm. Subscribers can also stream the game on discovery+.
Predicted line-ups
17:45 , Chris WilsonSunderland XI: Roefs; Geertruida, Mukiele, Ballard, Reinildo; Sadiki, Diarra; Hume, Le Fee, Talbi; Brobbey.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Team news
17:40 , Chris WilsonLiverpool’s season MVP Szoboszlai will be absent after the debacle that surrounded his late red card against City, while the club’s injury problems are not likely to improve for the trip to the north east. Joe Gomez is unlikely to make a comeback, while Jeremy Frimpong is set for a few more weeks on the sidelines. Alexander Isak, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are out for months.
Team news
17:36 , Chris WilsonSunderland are without Granit Xhaka due to injury as well as January signing Jocelin Ta Bi, who is getting up to match fitness. Bertrand Traore may be available to return from a knee injury. Lutsharel Geertruida was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in January but remained at Sunderland and could feature against the Reds.
Sunderland vs Liverpool live
17:32 , Chris WilsonLiverpool will try to put heartbreak at the hands of Manchester City behind them as they travel to Sunderland desperate for a Premier League boost.
The Reds thought they were on course for a crucial win over Pep Guardiola’s title hopefuls after Dominik Szoboszlai rocketed a free-kick into the top-right corner, only for a late capitulation - surrounded by VAR drama - to see City flip the game on its head.
Liverpool now find themselves four points off the top five and need a result against the Black Cats, whose form has grown patchy of late.
They were beaten comfortably by Arsenal on the weekend but will nevertheless feel capable of beating Liverpool, with the heroics of Federico Chiesa denying Sunderland a famous Anfield win in December’s reverse fixture.
Good evening
17:27 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live blog coverage of tonight’s Premier League match between Liverpool and Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The Reds look to put that damaging loss to Manchester City behind them as they hope to close the gap on Chelsea and Manchester United in the European places, while Sunderland look to maintain their unbeaten home record and maintain a place in the top half of the table.
And we’ll have all the latest team news and updates right here.
