Van Dijk header returns Liverpool to winning ways as Konate and Wirtz shine

Liverpool closed the gap on those above them in the Premier League's top-five race as Virgil van Dijk's header secured a 1-0 win over Sunderland. Arne Slot's side became the first visiting team to win at the Stadium of Light this season, taking advantage of Chelsea and Manchester United dropping points 24 hours earlier.

The Reds dominated the first half on Wearside and Florian Wirtz might have scored more than once before the break, being twice denied by Robin Roefs and hitting the base of the post after twisting inside the penalty area. Liverpool remained the more likely scorers after the interval and Van Dijk finally broke the deadlock just past the hour mark, meeting Mohamed Salah's corner and sending his header in via a Habib Diarra deflection.

Ibrahima Konate stood out defensively, matching Brobbey for physicality and producing a superb block and a goal‑saving challenge.

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