How Liverpool's players rated in victory over Sunderland

By Sam Leveridge

On paper, this should have been an easy victory for the Reds, but Sunderland defended well for much of the game and it took until the 75th minute for Liverpool to break the deadlock through Divock Origi, with James Milner adding another from the penalty spot in injury time. The more concerning event was the injury to Phillipe Coutinho which could prove serious.

Loris Karius – 7

Karius had little to do with Sunderland really breaking out of their own half, but when called upon he did well.

Nathaniel Clyne – 7

Clyne spent much of the game bombing forward and caused real issues for Sunderland, though he lacked the cutting edge that have seen him set up goals previously.

Joel Matip – 7

Dominant in the air throughout at both ends, Matip had a quiet game but looked composed and never looked troubled by Jermaine Defoe.

Dejan Lovren – 7

Much like Matip, Lovren had little to do but tried to start play from the back and move the ball forwards as much as he could.

James Milner – 8

Scored yet another penalty in expert fashion in injury time to cap a solid performance from the makeshift left-back.

Georgino Wijnaldum – 7

The Dutchman struggled to influence the game but was effective in retaining the ball and looking for openings in the Black Cats defence when possible.

Jordan Henderson – 8 

The captain came up against his former side and was one of the best players on the pitch, with his distribution causing real problems and his leadership skills, often criticised, were clear for all to see.

Emre Can – 7

The German was efficient and kept possession well, looking to drive forwards whenever possible whilst remaining responsible defensively.

Sadio Mane – 7

Won the injury time penalty and was increasingly effective up against tired legs in the opposition defence after a slow start.

Roberto Firmino – 7

Limping off late on after a heavy challenge, the Brazilian kept Sunderland busy but failed to look like he would be the one to find the goal Liverpool needed.

Phillipe Coutinho – 6 

Coutinho struggled to influence play in a dull first half an hour before picking up what looked like a very serious injury which will concern Reds fans.

Subs

Divock Origi (for Coutinho, 34) – 8

The longest the Belgian has played in the Premier League this season, he was ordinary for much of his time on the pitch but his goal was inspired as he broke the deadlock with superb thinking to find space and curl the ball home.

Lucas Leiva (for Firmino, 87) – N/A

A brief cameo as Liverpool ensured they protected their lead.

Ben Woodburn (for Wijnaldum, 92) – N/A

A symbolic debut for the 17-year-old after a superb start to the season in the youth ranks.

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