Liverpool had to work hard for their 2-0 win over Sunderland which sent them to the top of the Premier League until Chelsea played later in the day. The Reds were without Adam Lallana for the game but things got worse as Philippe Coutinho had to be stretchered off in the first half.

Sunderland were great defensively and ensured Liverpool did not have a lot of space to attack. It took a bit of luck in the second half to get the goal as substitute Divock Origi scored the opener. The Reds then made it two late in the game as Sadio Mane won a penalty which James Milner

We look back at a tough game and share the player ratings for the Reds.

Loris Karius – 8/10

The German goalkeeper did have to be on his toes as he kept Sunderland out. This was the second consecutive clean sheet for the young keeper and should give him confidence for the rest of the season.

Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10

The English defender was his calm self in defence and did well in attack as well; nothing really fazed him much in the game.

Dejan Lovren – 7/10

It was Lovren that actually had the best chance in the first half as his header flashed wide. Lovren was comfortable on the night and didn’t really have a lot of worries.

Joel Matip – 8/10

Matip also had a comfortable game at the back, though there were a couple of issues with Anichebe. The former Schalke defender also made some great runs in the attack and was always willing to help the side out, though his crossing could improve.

James Milner – 8/10

This was another great showing by the Englishman and it was capped off with a penalty, his fifth goal from the spot this season. Not bad for a player who has been made as a makeshift left-back.

Jordan Henderson – 7/10

The first half saw Henderson play deeper but in the second half, he got more involved in the attack. His passing was spot on as usual, even if the side took some time to get going.

Georginio Wijnaldum – 7/10

Wijnaldum tried his best to help the side out by scoring or creating chances but it just was not going on for the side in the first half.

Emre Can – 6/10

Can was another player who tried his best but things just did not seem to click for the German as well.

Philippe Coutinho – 5/10

This was not the way Liverpool fans wanted the Brazilian to leave on the night. He got injured while making a block in the first half and hopefully it will not be a long-term injury. Divock Origi replaced Coutinho in the game.

Sadio Mane – 6/10

The former Southampton player had a night to forget, even though he won the penalty with a great run at the end of the game, he really was off the pace for the entire game.

Roberto Firmino – 6/10

The Brazilian didn’t have the greatest of games as even he seemed to be hit by a bug or something. All the Liverpool attackers will have to work harder as their passing and link up play was not up to the mark.

Substitutes:

Divock Origi – 8/10

The Belgian might not be the quickest player or even the perfect fit for Klopp’s style, but he was extremely impressive in the game. Origi ran the channels, worked hard in attack and even gave Liverpool a physical presence in the game. He got his reward with a bit of luck but he deserved it.

Lucas Leiva – NA

The Brazilian was brought on to provide some defensive stability for the side late into the game.

Ben Woodburn – NA

The youngster was given a few seconds of running time but he didn’t really have much to do.