Liverpool vs. Sunderland: Score and Reaction from 2016 Premier League Match

Liverpool went top of the Premier League on Saturday afternoon courtesy of a 2-0 victory over struggling Sunderland at Anfield, but they had to do it the hard way.

David Moyes’ Black Cats, fresh off the back of two impressive wins on the spin, held firm against Jurgen Klopp’s attacking outfit until deep in the second half when they were finally breached.

Divock Origi struck with just 15 minutes remaining in the match to give Liverpool the lead, before James Milner netted from the spot to make sure of the three points in a game that rarely caught fire.

The victory came at a price, however, as star man Philippe Coutinho was forced off on a stretcher midway through the first half with a brace on his right leg, as Squawka News revealed:

Philippe Coutinho picks up an injury and is stretchered off in Liverpool’s game against Sunderland.Not good news. pic.twitter.com/RjQwyM2nUf

— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) November 26, 2016

Despite Sunderland picking up their first and second Premier League victories of the season in as many games, they were expected to be in for a long afternoon at Anfield.

Things didn’t quite go with the script from the off, though. While Liverpool enjoyed plenty of possession and looked adventurous, Jordan Pickford didn’t really have a shot to save in the first half.

The Reds simply weren’t moving the ball quick enough, as Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane failed to get a real grip on the game.

Then came what could prove to be a season-defying moment with half an hour on the clock—Coutinho went in to a 50/50 challenge with Sunderland midfielder Didier Ndong.

The Brazilian came off much worse, with his right foot looking incredibly uncomfortable after …

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