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Liverpool 2 Sunderland 0: Divock Origi and James Milner strike after Philippe Coutinho injury rocks Kop

Origi and Milner sink brave Black Cats but fears grow over ankle injury of Brazilian playmaker Coutinho

SUB Divock Origi came off the bench to set  Liverpool on the way to victory over Sunderland - but were denied top spot at the end of the day by Chelsea's win over Spurs.

Origi's 75th minute curling effort finally broke the brave resistance of David Moyes' side before James Milner added a late penalty to put Liverpool above Manchester City on goals scored with Chelsea facing Tottenham in the evening kick-off.

Divock Origi curls home his winning goal for Liverpool against Swansea
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Divock Origi curls home his winning goal for Liverpool against SwanseaCredit: Reuters
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Philippe Coutinho suffered a suspected serious ankle injury in this challenge with Didier Ndong

James Milner just misses getting on the end of a cross as he lands in a heap under Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford
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James Milner just misses getting on the end of a cross as he lands in a heap under Sunderland keeper Jordan PickfordCredit: Reuters

But the joy was muted by injury concerns over key player Philippe Coutinho, who Origi replaced when he was carried off on 30 minutes with a nasty looking ankle injury.

Sunderland gave a good account of themselves and were twice denied by Loris Karius in the Liverpool goal as they chased a third straight Premier League win.

But the defeat leaves the Black Cats still in the bottom three of the table as they desperately try to avoid relegation from the top flight.

FACTS, STATS, GOALS AND LOLS

  • Daniel Sturridge missed the game with a slight calf strain, but he should be back and available next weekend.
  • Young Ben Woodburn made his first senior appearance for Liverpool on the bench after being given the squad number 58. The Chester kid turned 17 just a month ago.
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James Milner stops Sunderland striker Duncan Watmore from breaking away

Steven Pienaar was denied a goal by a sharp block by Liverpool keeper Loris Karius
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Steven Pienaar was denied a goal by a sharp block by Liverpool keeper Loris KariusCredit: PA:Press Association
Referee Anthony Taylor is tackled by Philippe Coutinho as he gets too close to the action
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Referee Anthony Taylor is tackled by Philippe Coutinho as he gets too close to the actionCredit: Getty Images
  • Steven Gerrard was a guest at the game after announcing his retirement as a player.
  • Referee Anthony Taylor was back at Anfield for the first time since taking charge of the Manchester United game.
  • Fourth official Neil Swarbrick had to run the line from the 22nd minute when a linesman limped out of the action.
David Moyes gives instructions to striker Victor Anichebe during a break in play
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David Moyes gives instructions to striker Victor Anichebe during a break in playCredit: Reuters
Philippe Coutinho screams in pain after suffering a nasty ankle injury
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Philippe Coutinho screams in pain after suffering a nasty ankle injuryCredit: Getty Images
Sadio Mane attempts to escape the clutches of John O'Shea as Sunderland try to hold out against Liverpool
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Sadio Mane attempts to escape the clutches of John O'Shea as Sunderland try to hold out against LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
  • Philippe Coutinho faces a lay-off after jarring his right foot and ankle in a tackle with Didier Ndong, a major blow for the Kop's hopes.
  • Sub Divock Origi's goal was his first Premier League strike this season as he made his tenth appearance from the bench.
  • Jurgen Klopp showed the strain just after the hour mark when he went into a wild routine of throwing his arms around to get the crowd going.
  • Loris Karius must have broken a record - the Liverpool keeper actually kicked the ball out for a corner from his own goal kick.

THEY SAID

Liverpool goalscorer Divock Origi said: "The manager said we had to stay patient and keep going and we get the rewards. That’s what we did and in the end the goal came."

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on Sunderland: "This was the most defensive team I ever saw in my life."

 

Dream Team Ratings

Liverpool: Karius 6, Clyne 6, Matip 7, Lovren 7, Milner 7, Henderson 8, Can 7, Wijnaldum 7, Mane 7, Coutinho 6, Firmino 7

Subs: Origi 7, Lucas 6

Booked: Lovren

Sunderland: Pickford 7, Jones 7, Kone 6, O’Shea 6, Van Aanholt 6, Denayer  6, Ndong 6, Pienaar 6, Watmore 6, Defoe 5, Anichebe 6

Subs: Gooch 5, Januzaj 6

Booked: Kone, O’Shea, Pienaar

STAR MAN: Jordan Henderson

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