Origi and Milner seal win but Coutinho stretchered off
Divock Origi's fourth goal of the season – but first in the Premier League – and a James Milner penalty were enough to secure three points at a nervous Anfield which had seen Philippe Coutinho stretchered off with what appeared to be a serious injury.
The young Belgian, who replaced the injured Coutinho in the first half, twisted and turned in the box, cut inside Duncan Watmore and curled his effort round Jordan Pickford and into the net with just 15 minutes left.
Milner made the game safe after Sadio Mane was tripped by Didier Ndong in the last minute, despatching his spot kick with the minimum of fuss in front of the Kop.
It had looked to be one of those days for Liverpool with Sunderland defending deep and well and not without threat on the break themselves.
Coutinho was injured on the half hour mark in a challenge with Ndong and left a few minutes later on a stretcher, his right foot in a brace and in obvious pain.
His right ankle appeared to be the problem and bad news would be a huge blow for Jurgen Klopp and Reds fans everywhere.
Apart from the Coutinho injury the first half was notable for Sunderland denying Lverpool many clear cut chances.
Denayer shackled Coutinho well and space was at a premium with the Sunderland lines tight and well disciplined.
Loris Karius provided the only real scares for the Reds, delaying the leaving off his line sufficiently after 17 minutes to allow former Everton man Steven Pienaar a chance but the young German eventually smothered well.
Five minutes later he somehow he contrived to send a goal kick meant for Nathaniel Clyne straight out for a corner, much to the bemusement of the Kop.
Liverpool's best chance fell to Dejan Lovren, arriving free at the back post to head Jordan Henderson's free-kick back across goal but wide.
Lovren's drive went narrowly wide and there were other half chances for Sadio Mane, Gini Wijnaldum and an emre Can header but Pickford didn't have to do anything exceptional to maintain his clean sheet.
The second half was much better, with the game stretched more and chances emerging at both ends.
A low shot from Roberto Firmino was gathered at his near post by Pickford just before the hour mark.
The Brazilian almost turned provider when he fired across goal but it was just too quick for Can and Wijnaldum too catch up with on 70 minutes.
Sunderland had their moments too and van Aaholt was prominent in several breakaways. From one Anichebe held of his defender and played in Duncan Watmore but Karius was off his line to smother.
Origi brough the breakthrough, much to the relief of the majority those at Anfield, with an effort which was much of his own making.
Matip headed over, Henderson fired a free-kick wide and Can's effort was deflected past the post as Liverpool couldn't put the game away until Milner's late entrance.
The Reds return to the top of the Premier League – for a couple of hours at least – but it will be at a huge cost of Coutinho's injury is as bad as feared.
Source: Liverpool Echo
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