"Arne Slot does not believe his job security hinges on Liverpool securing Champions League qualification this spring but the Dutchman would much prefer not to put that particular notion to the test. On this evidence there seems a decent chance last season's title winning manager will not have to. In finally ending Sunderland's proud unbeaten home record in the Premier League, sixth placed Liverpool left themselves only three points adrift Manchester United and two behind Chelsea."
"Regis Le Bris's intelligent and well organised side did not surrender lightly but, with the excellent Florian Wirtz continuing to go from strength to strength in the No 10 role, Liverpool looked like champions and deserved to edge a match decided by Virgil van Dijk's header from Mo Salah's second-half corner. The only downside for Slot was the nasty looking ankle injury sustained by his stand-in right-back, Wataru Endo."
"If you fix one problem against them, you find you have to manage another. It wasn't easy for them to win here. We showed character and identity. We showed composure and we were brave. We tried but it wasn't enough. We faced a monster. Liverpool are composed and they have this ability to combine in tight spaces. Although Slot's side dominated possession it initially foundered in the face of a meticulously organised Sunderland defence."
Liverpool ended Sunderland's proud unbeaten home run with a 1-0 win, moving to sixth place and leaving them three points behind Manchester United and two behind Chelsea. Virgil van Dijk scored with a header from Mohamed Salah's second-half corner, while Florian Wirtz impressed in the No 10 role. Manager Arne Slot said job security does not hinge on Champions League qualification and praised the team's control, second-ball dominance and mentality. Sunderland's manager Regis Le Bris praised his side's organisation, character and composure but acknowledged Liverpool's ability to combine in tight spaces. Wataru Endo suffered a nasty-looking ankle injury expected to be serious.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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