
Premier League
8:15 p.mFebruary 11, 2026
Regular season – 26
Stadium of Light
Referee: Chris Kavanagh, England


Sunderland


Liverpool
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.66
Expected Goals (xG)
1.84
Passing by
308 (83%)
Accurate passes
423 (86%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
22
G
Robin Roefs
7.2
d
Reinildo Mandava
15
d
Omar Alderete
6.2
5
d
Daniel Ballard
6.7
20
d
Nordi Mukiele
6.9
28
M
Enzo The Fairy
7.2
27
M
Noah Sadiki
7.2
10
M
Nilson Angulo
6.6
19
M
Habib Diarra
6.9
32
M
Trai Hume (C)
6.7
9
F
Brian Brobbey
5.9
1
G
Alisson
7.3
26
d
Andrew Robertson
6.9
d
Virgil van Dijk (C)
61′
5
d
Ibrahima Konate
7.9
3
d
Wataru Endo
6.9
10
M
Alexis McAllister
7.5
38
M
Ryan Gravenberch
6.9
18
M
Cody Agat
7.3
7
M
Florian Wirtz
6.7
M
Mohamed Salah
22
F
Hugo Ekiit
6.6
Substitutes
d
Joe Gomez
M
Curtis Jones
F
Federico Chiesa
25
G
Giorgi Mamardashvili
6
d
Miloš Kerkez
47
d
Calvin Ramsay
42
M
Trey Nyoni
68
M
Kieran Morrison
73
F
Ngumoha River

Premier League Ranking – Premier League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Relegation – Championship
Liverpool secured a crucial 1-0 away win over Sunderland, with Virgil van Dijk’s decisive second-half header proving the difference at the Stadium of Light.
Liverpool traveled to Wearside on 11 February 2026 with the aim of consolidating their position in the Premier League. Ranked sixth with inconsistent recent form of two wins, one draw and two defeats, they faced a 9th-placed Sunderland side, hoping to upset the odds. Pre-match predictions heavily favored the visitors.
The first half started with Liverpool dominating possession. They controlled the midfield, pressing Sunderland into their own half. The Reds registered 10 shots in the first 45 minutes, but many missed the target.
Sunderland defended with discipline, thwarting Liverpool’s attacking efforts. Their determination was evident as they limited clear-cut chances for the visitors. Goalkeeper Robin Roefs was called into action but largely handled what came his way.
The only notable incident of the first half came in the 24th minute. Sunderland’s Reinildo Mandava was shown a yellow card for delaying the game. The half ended goalless, leaving both teams with work to do.
After the break, Liverpool stepped up their attack, looking for the breakthrough. Sunderland continued to soak up pressure, looking for moments to counter. The match remained a tight affair, with both sides fighting for control.
The tie was finally broken in the 61st minute. Mohamed Salah made a perfect assist with an inch from a set piece. Virgil van Dijk rose higher, powerfully firing the ball into the net. This put Liverpool 1-0 up, changing the complexion of the match.
After the goal, both coaches made tactical changes. Liverpool brought on Wataru Endo in the 69th minute, followed by Cody Gakpo in the 75th. Sunderland responded with a triple substitution in the 80th minute, bringing on N. Angulo, T. Hume and O. Alderete to inject fresh energy.
Liverpool pushed for a second goal to seal the win, creating more chances. Sunderland bravely pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes, making a final substitution for Habib Diarra in added time. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t find a way past Alisson Becker.
The statistics highlighted Liverpool’s control. They finished with 57% possession, 23 total shots and an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.84. Sunderland managed 11 shots and an xG of 0.66. Both Alisson and Roefs made 2 saves.
This narrow win boosts Liverpool’s challenge for a higher league position. Sunderland, despite the defeat, showed their resilience against one of the best teams in the Premier League.

