In what has been a highly inconsistent season, much discussed and dissected, Liverpool capitalized on Wednesday's draws for Manchester United (1-1 against West Ham) and Chelsea (2-2 with Leeds). The Reds secured a crucial 1-0 victory away at Sunderland, narrowing the gap to the Champions League qualification spots.
The solitary goal of the match arrived in the 61st minute. Captain Virgil van Dijk rose highest to meet a Mohamed Salah cross, heading the ball towards goal. With a deflection off Mukiele, it found its way past Roefs, handing Sunderland their first home defeat in the Premier League this season.
This hard-fought win sees the Reds climb to 42 points, maintaining their pursuit of Manchester United, who are three points ahead, and Chelsea, now just two points clear. Meanwhile, the Black Cats remain in 11th position with 36 points.