EPL: Van Dijk header ends Sunderland’s unbeaten home run

Liverpool became the first team to beat Sunderland at home in the Premier League this season after a 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light on 11 February 2026.

Virgil van Dijk scored the only goal of the match in the 61st minute. The Liverpool captain headed in a corner taken by Mohamed Salah, and although Sunderland’s Habib Diarra tried to clear the ball on the goal line, it still went into the net.

Liverpool controlled most of the game, especially in the first half. They had 68% possession and created several chances. Florian Wirtz was very active and nearly scored before the break.

He had a strong shot saved by goalkeeper Robin Roefs, later hit the post, and also saw a header stopped. Despite Liverpool’s pressure, Sunderland defended well and the first half ended 0-0.

Sunderland improved after halftime, with captain Trai Hume firing a shot over the bar.

However, Liverpool continued to attack and finally made one of their many corners count. The goal came from their 10th corner of the match.

The victory was slightly overshadowed by an injury to Wataru Endo. Making his first league start of the season, he performed strongly and won the most duels in the game.

Shortly after Liverpool took the lead, he landed awkwardly on his ankle and had to be carried off on a stretcher. Joe Gomez replaced him.

This was only Liverpool’s second league win of 2026. The result keeps them sixth in the table but moves them to within two points of fifth-placed Chelsea. Sunderland remain 11th, six points behind Liverpool.

Van Dijk has now scored 23 Premier League goals for Liverpool, more than any other defender in the club’s history in the competition.

Salah, although he did not score, provided his 92nd Premier League assist for the club, equalling Steven Gerrard’s record.

Liverpool also became only the second team this season, after Manchester City, to keep a clean sheet at Sunderland.

Sunderland will face Oxford United in the FA Cup on Sunday, while Liverpool will host Brighton in the same competition on Saturday.