#4 Liverpool held by defiant Sunderland
Trending
Liverpool came to the Stadium of Light hoping to get three points to close the gap to league leaders Chelsea but Sunderland proved to be a tough nut to crack. The Black Cats came from behind twice to deny the Merseysiders a victory. Jermain Defoe scored his 153rd and 154th goal in the Premier league to secure a point, which could be crucial in the side’s relegation battle.
Liverpool’s regular skipper, Jordon Herderson missed the match having sustained a heel injury in their previous outing against Manchester City. Danial Sturridge, who started for the first time since October, made an instant impact as he headed home a mistimed shot from Dejan Lovren to give Liverpool the lead.
But Sunderland worked hard off the ball and closed down players quickly, thus disrupting the Reds’ fluid passing. Their hard work paid off as Didier Ibrahim Ndong was brought down in the penalty box by Ragnar Klavan and Sunderland got a penalty which was coolly dispatched by Defoe.
Sadio Mane put Klopp’s side in front again from close range, scoring his 9th goal of the season. Later he handled the ball in his own box, gifting Sunderland the second penalty of the match to be scored by Defoe yet again. Liverpool will have to play the next few games without the Senegalese, who will leave for the African Cup of Nations.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will surely rue the loss of two points as they face an in-form Manchester United next in the league. David Moyes, meanwhile, is aware that Jermain Defoe’s form will be key in Sunderland’s fight to avoid relegation. The former Tottenham Hotspur striker has been involved in 13 out of 19 Sunderland goals in this league campaign.
