Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scored the winner in a gritty 1-0 victory at Sunderland, moving his team within three points of the Premier League’s top four

VIRGIL van Dijk’s second-half header earned Liverpool a crucial 1-0 victory at Sunderland on Wednesday. The win revives their faltering bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The Reds captain powered home from a Mohamed Salah corner in the 61st minute. Sunderland defender Habib Diarra’s attempted clearance on the line only helped the ball into the roof of the net.

The result ended Sunderland’s unbeaten home record in the Premier League this season. It also closed the gap to the top four, with Liverpool now just two points behind fifth-placed Chelsea and three adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United.

Manager Arne Slot had described this as his toughest season “by a mile” after a weekend loss to Manchester City. He conceded it would be “unacceptable” for Liverpool to miss out on the Champions League.

While far from a perfect performance, the gritty win keeps Liverpool in contention for a top-five finish. That position is likely to secure a place in Europe’s elite club competition next term.

German playmaker Florian Wirtz was Liverpool’s most threatening attacker throughout the match. He struck the post with one low drive and forced several good saves from Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs.

The home side had a strong penalty appeal waved away just before half-time. Ibrahima Konate appeared to haul down Brian Brobbey, but the referee allowed play to continue.

Liverpool’s injury problems worsened when stand-in right-back Wataru Endo was stretchered off. Slot was already without Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, and the suspended Dominik Szoboszlai.

Despite the setback, Liverpool held firm to secure a vital three points. The victory provides a significant boost ahead of the final stretch of the Premier League season.

 The Sun Malaysia