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Joe Cole was impressed with one of these liverpool He completed more dribbles than anyone else against Sunderland.
Liverpool’s home run ends Sunderland’s unbeaten run
Taking three points at the Stadium of Light is a tall order these days and it’s even harder when you’re having the kind of season Liverpool are having.
However, fresh off a humiliating defeat against Manchester City at Anfield, the Reds put an end to the Black Cats’ unbeaten run by beating Sunderland with a gritty, professional performance.
Virgil van Dijk’s goal certainly came at the perfect time. In the same week that both Manchester United and Chelsea dropped points, victory was simply a must. Arne SlaughterBy his side, he hopes to relieve stress sack contest.
They can also make things more comfortable. Ugo Ekitic’s header went just wide of the post in the second half and Florian Wirtz hit the post in the first half, a sense of control the Reds have lacked all season.
The biggest negative for Slott was Wataru Endo’s injury. The experienced Japan international became the latest makeshift right-back to be knocked down and taken off on a stretcher, forcing an early return for Joe Gomez.
While Dominic Szoboszlai returns from suspension this weekend against Brighton in the FA Cup, there is no doubt that Slott can avoid another defensive injury.
What the Dutch appreciate more is the performance of several stars. The struggling Ibrahima Konate earned a hard-fought win over the pesky Brian Brombie, while Ekitic earned plenty of praise even if he didn’t score.
Joe Cole wowed by ‘amazing’ Ekitike
Even if Ekitic isn’t on the scoresheet, Liverpool will now need Ekitic leading the way from the front on a weekly basis, especially without Alexander Isak injured and otherwise underperforming.
The Frenchman was once again the center of praise when he eased past Daniel Ballard and Joe Cole couldn’t help but marvel. The former Liverpool and Chelsea man described the striker as “amazing”, who went on to carry the ball more times than anyone else on the pitch (3).
|
Ekitek vs Sunderland |
Statistics |
|---|---|
|
minute |
88 |
|
lens |
3 |
|
Dribbling completed |
3 |
|
Create opportunities |
1 |
There has been a lot of talk about Liverpool’s summer transfer window. After spending more than £400m, more is expected of the defending champions. However, Ekitek is a man who should not be attacked.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt man has established himself from his first start, scoring 15 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions and is undeniably the Reds’ signing of the season.
Liverpool have reduced the gap on the top four to three points, making up for their defeat against Manchester City last time out.
