Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Sunderland as Florian Wirtz and two more excellent

Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Sunderland as Florian Wirtz was excellent and Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring to give the Reds a big Champions League boost

Florian Wirtz is challenged by Nilson Angulo during Sunderland vs Liverpool.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

STADIUM OF LIGHT, SUNDERLAND // Liverpool ensured that the Premier League standings look slightly healthier again for Arne Slot with a narrow win at Sunderland thanks to Virgil van Dijk's header.

The first half finished goalless, with Florian Wirtz hitting the post and looking by far the most likely avenue to a goal for either side, with Van Dijk putting his team ahead on the hour mark after a Mohamed Salah corner.

Wataru Endo went off on a stretcher as the Liverpool right-back curse struck again, but the Reds held on to put an end to Sunderland's unbeaten record at the Stadium of Light since it was promoted.

Winners

Florian Wirtz was once again a livewire and the German saw lots of the ball. He needed to be stronger on a few occasions but roamed around and picked up pockets of space. Sometimes he was crowded out, though, and he needed a bit more from those around him again. That has been said a few times lately but his influence is growing. There were more good signs here.

Losers

Out wide, Salah and Cody Gakpo were frustrating for Liverpool for much of the game. Lacking explosive pace and often looking a little predictable, the wingers didn't find much joy in the final third, leaving Hugo Ekitike with a bit much to do to create chances for himself.

Wirtz did his best to create and carve out opportunities, but he can't do that all alone. In open play, Liverpool will see more of what he can do when those next to him step up.

Player ratings

Alisson Becker (7). Making his 250th appearance in the Premier League, he needed to anticipate a couple of early balls over the top. After that, there wasn't much thrown at him. What he had to do, he did well enough.

Wataru Endo (7). Slotting in at full-back due to injuries and suspensions, this was his first Premier League start of the season (and only his second under Arne Slot). Very quick to push forward, somewhat surprisingly, but did well, only to go off with what looked like a potentially bad injury.

Ibrahima Konate (8). In good form of late, it was the Frenchman that Brian Brobbey pulled onto and he did well in the aerial duels. Helped Endo out a few times down that side and was strong and confident once again.

Virgil van Dijk (8). Sunderland made a deliberate attempt to play the ball away from him as often as possible. Decent enough in possession. Could maybe have done a bit better with a couple of first-half chances that came his way in the first half and then made up for it in the second.

Andy Robertson (7). In for rotational purposes (arguably surprisingly here rather than in the FA Cup at the weekend), the Scotland captain got into some good areas but couldn't really make the most of them. Defensively reliable, as he usually is.

Ryan Gravenberch (6). One or two misplaced passes but generally fine in that department without being spectacular. Too much space for him to cover at times when he needed more legs around him.

Alexis Mac Allister (6). Starting ahead of Curtis Jones despite some questionable recent form, the Argentine was decent enough on the ball but was bypassed too easily at times by runners pulling away from him. A familiar story of late.

Mohamed Salah (6). A bit like against Manchester City, some of his decision-making was slightly odd. A couple of times, he played the ball straight into the legs of an opponent. He threatened to get going a few times but didn't quite manage it in open play, even if his corner kick was good, which led to the opener.

Florian Wirtz (8). Sharp and bright in the center of the field, though a little lacking physically a couple of times. Hit the post in the first half with a clever low effort with his left foot and was by far the best player on the pitch. Oozes quality and class but needs more from those around him to create in open play.

Cody Gakpo (5). Offering some width off the left flank, he went on the outside a few more times than usual but couldn't often find much in the way of a quality delivery.

Hugo Ekitike (6). Much more involved than last time out but unable to get many clear-cut chances. Overran the ball after one brilliant bit of work down the left flank and in some ways, that summed up a frustrating outing for him.

Curtis Jones (6). Helped keep the ball a bit, but gave it away too. A mixed cameo.

Joe Gomez (7). Back from injury and on for the injured Endo, he slotted in and did well for half an hour. He will presumably need to start at the weekend, so the minutes will have done him good. Federico Chiesa also came on but too late to earn a rating.