Reaction'That's what it's about' - Florian Wirtz proud of Liverpool's team spirit after win at Sunderland

The Reds inflicted a first Premier League home defeat of the season on Regis Le Bris’ side, with Virgil van Dijk’s second-half header proving decisive at the Stadium of Light.

Arne Slot’s team produced an impressive performance that included 23 shots on goal – one of which was a first-half Wirtz effort that hit the post.

The No.7, who was voted Carlsberg Player of the Match in recognition of his outstanding display, told Liverpoolfc.com: “A really good performance, I think it’s not easy to win here.

“We had to fight really hard to get chances and also then scored with a set-piece so that shows how difficult it can be here. But we are very happy that we got the three points.”

When asked whether the message from Slot at half-time had been that the opening goal would arrive if the team continued to play to a similar level after the break, Wirtz replied: “Yeah, but also that it was not enough in the first half.

“But, of course, we also didn’t concede, that’s always also good, but in the end we have to score to win games. So, we had to say at half-time that we have to give more in the second half and I think until we scored we made good attacks and afterwards we had to defend the goal.

“But everybody defended all together and that’s what it’s about.”

An otherwise satisfying night on Wearside was marred somewhat by an injury to Wataru Endo.

Endo, who started at right-back, was stretchered off in the second half after making a vital clearance and Slot described the issue as ‘serious’ in his post-match press conference.

Wirtz said: “Very sad for him. I spoke already to him. He’s such a good guy and I feel very sorry for him because every day in training he gives everything and also when he comes into the games he’s always there and always fighting.

“So, I hope it’s not too serious or it’s not taking too long and wishing him all the best.”