Sunderland 0 Liverpool 1 - Player Ratings by Joel Tracy

While no one will confuse their performance with the barnstorming trips to Stamford Bridge and the Etihad, the Reds picked up a vital three points at the Stadium of Light, registering a second straight clean sheet in the process.

Lovren shined, Firmino simmered and Benteke, unconvincing for much of the evening, slotted home the winner. Questions persist-particularly at the attacking end-for Jurgen Klopp’s side, but Liverpool find themselves within striking distance of the Top 4 as 2015 comes to a close...

Simon Mignolet (7): Barely tested by the hosts, which is unsurprising given the Reds were strong favourites in the matchbook sports betting markets, but rose to the challenge when called upon with a fine stop on Defoe from a dangerous area a quarter of an hour in. Competent on the ball and solid in the air, highlighted by a strong punch to see out the match in added time.

Nathaniel Clyne (7): Another strong outing from Liverpool’s most consistent performer this season. A decent blast from deep and an excellent cross to Firmino were highlights of his first half, while his dangerous ball forward fell kindly to Benteke for the goal. Will quite rightly be eyeing a place in England’s First XI-although hopefully he’ll be rested once or twice between now and the Euros.

Dejan Lovren (8): Commanding in the air-albeit against a relatively lightweight Sunderland front line-and was excellent in possession, including an incisive pass forward to Coutinho at the quarter of an hour mark. Looked alarmingly Skrtel-esque in backing off Defoe in a dangerous position early on and will be disappointed to have missed the target yet again from a set piece. On the whole however, a performance that should continue to burnish his growing confidence.

Mamadou Sakho (7): Like his partner, Sakho did well to snuff out any aerial threat from the hosts, and he, too deserves credit for the side’s second straight clean sheet. Turned too easily by Defoe to set up the aforementioned chance, and appears to still be a half step off his best in his recovery from knee injury. Reds supporters will hope the Frenchman has emerged unscathed from Jermaine Lens’ reckless challenge.

Alberto Moreno (7): Another active outing from the Spaniard, getting forward to support the Liverpool attack from the left flank, his recovery speed also on display with a few timely interceptions. Still struggling to adapt his game to provide service for Benteke, as exemplified by his poor ball over the top in the first half, straight to Mannone. A stagnant attack would benefit greatly from improved delivery.

Emre Can (7): The German was all over the pitch for Liverpool, covering well in midfield and defence and winning possession for the away side. His pressure and backheel to Coutinho were instrumental in the buildup to Liverpool’s goal. Was booked for a challenge that, while proven foul by replay, demonstrated an aggressiveness his side have been lacking for some time. The youngster is growing into a versatile half of Klopp’s double-pivot midfield, but must improve his decision-making and use of the ball.

Jordan Henderson (6): The captain played a solid first half in his homecoming to the northeast, his tireless running and tidiness in possession helping Liverpool dominate the ball. His intelligent burst forward down the right was unfortunately ignored by Coutinho early on. Such runs were limited by Liverpool’s inability to link through Benteke in the first half, and by a recurrence of Henderson’s foot injury, which led to an early exit. The severity of that injury will greatly impact Liverpool’s fortunes in early 2016.

Adam Lallana (5): Supplied excellent work rate yet again, but sadly continued to provide little else. His touch from Clyne’s pass just after the restart took a fortunate glance into Benteke’s path, but the Englishman’s contributions in the attacking third were otherwise limited. Will need to do more to justify inclusion in the XI, particularly when others become fit.

Roberto Firmino (7): Liverpool’s most active attacker, but it just wasn’t his night, as a woeful touch let him down when through on goal inside ten minutes. Nearly supplied a moment of brilliance, wriggling away from a trio of defenders outside the area to release a right-footed effort, just barely touched onto the post by a diving Mannone. A smart run saw him get on the end of Clyne’s cross from a dangerous position, but he again failed to beat the keeper. Did well to set up Ibe and then Benteke late in the match, although he was perhaps a bit gun-shy in passing off to the former, rather than taking the chance himself. Perhaps the player who could most use a touch of luck to ignite his considerable potential.

Philippe Coutinho (5): Struggled to find space against Sunderland’s packed defence, which took extra care to surround the Brazillian with as many defenders as possible. Supplied a golden opportunity for Firmino early on-which his compatriot spurned-but shortly thereafter ignored a surging Henderson to go it alone with the first of many errant potshots. It seems Liverpool may have to suffer through evenings like this from their “little magician” in exchange for his moments of magic, but it would certainly be nice to see some tailoring of his game to suit this style of opponent, not to mention his frontman.

Christian Benteke (6): Struggled to make an impact in the first half, lacking both the movement and the physicality required to lead the line. The Belgian was more successful at linking play after the interval, drifting wide on occasion and supplying some tidy flicks to the attackers buzzing around him. That much is encouraging, though he still appears far less adept at finding teammates with his head than with his feet. His well-taken goal was the difference, though as against Leicester, a woeful late miss will dampen supporters’ confidence-not to mention his own.

Substitutes:

Lucas (6): Did just what was required of him in relief of Henderson, adding stability in front of the back four. His lack of pace remains a concern but he contributed with some important challenges and used the ball wisely.

Jordon Ibe (5): Left Yedlin for dead with a powerful burst down the left flank, though he waited far too long before releasing a pass that was easily intercepted. Elected to turn inside onto his right after being found in the area by Firmino, only to fire over the bar from close range. Profligacy aside, he could hardly be faulted for wishing he’d been given more than seven minutes to make his mark.

Kolo Toure  (NR): Came on near the final whistle to see out the match.

Joel Tracy

@RambleOnReds