Liverpool ended Sunderland's unbeaten run at the Stadium of Light as Virgil Van Dijk's second-half header secured a 1-0 win to boost their Champions League qualification hopes.
With Chelsea and Manchester United having dropped points on Tuesday, the hard-fought victory puts Arne Slot's side only two points off the Champions League spots and restores positivity following Sunday's late defeat to Manchester City.
Van Dijk's match-winning moment came just after the hour mark, when his header from Mohamed Salah's corner proved too powerful for Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra, who could only direct it into the roof of the net on the goal-line.
The header was one of 23 shots on goal by Liverpool. Florian Wirtz struck the post with their best opportunity of the first half, while Hugo Ekitike and Salah missed chances to extend their lead late on.
Sunderland went into the game as the only remaining unbeaten team at home in the Premier League having not lost in 12 games, but could only create half-chances for Nordi Mukiele, Trai Hume and debutant Nilson Angulo.
More to follow...