Liverpool 2 Sunderland 0: Match ratings, battling Black Cats effort brings no reward

Lamine Kone stops Philippe Coutinho. Picture b y FRANK REID

SUNDERLAND 4-4-2

Jordan Pickford: Fair to say the busiest of the two keepers only to be beaten by what seemed an easier shot than he had previously saved. 7

Billy Jones: Good stuff at right-back with a lot of vital defensive work. 7

John O'Shea: Returned following ban to Papy Djilobodji and played captain's role. 7

Lamine Kone: A lot of pressure was on his shoulders and he responded with a great effort. Needless booking. 7

Patrick van Aanholt: Spent most of game on defensive duties but tried to get forward when possible and was involved in some of the few attacking away moves. 7

Jason Denayer: His first half hour was taken up man-marking Coutinho but after the Brazilian exited he played his part in a brave rearguard effort. 6

Didier Ndong: Was furthest forward of central midfielders but his mobility most in evidence in his own half. Last-min foul conceded pen. 8

Steven Pienaar: Back in the side and part of a hard-working midfield unit, subbed with 10min to go. 6

Duncan Watmore: Positive when given opportunity to get forward and fluffed best chance for Sunderland, otherwise supported his defensive comrades before being subbed late on. 6

Jermain Defoe: Had a first half shot from range blocked and very hopeful appeals for a pen but otherwise saw little of the ball. 6

Victor Anichebe: Alternated with Defoe to flit between up front and the left channel in what soon became a 4-5-1 and did it well. Had scuffed second half shot blocked. 6

Subs

Adnan Januzaj (for Watmore 79) N/A

Lynden Gooch (for Pienaar 79) N/A

Unused subs: Vito Mannone, Javier Manquillo, Wahbi Khazri, Seb Larsson, Donald Love

Booked: Kone 60, O'Shea 64, Pienaar 70

LIVERPOOL 4-3-3

Karius 6

Clyne 6

Lovren 6

Matip 6

Milner 6

Henderson 7

Wijnaldum 6 (Woodburn 90)

Can 7

Mane 6

Firmino 6 (Lucas 87)

Coutinho 6 (Origi 34, 7)

Goals: Origi 75, Milner (pen) 90+1

Booked: Lovren 67

Unused subs: Mignolet, Klaven, Moreno, Ejaria

Referee: Anthony Taylor. Good game. 7