Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp will heave a sigh of relief as the Reds broke a resolute defence from Sunderland and emerged victorious 2-0. This victory ensures that Liverpool go to the top of the summit again thanks to a better goal difference than Manchester City. Divock Origi, who came on as a substitute after Philippe Coutinho suffered an ankle injury, broke the deadlock after 75 minutes before James Milner confirmed all three points with a penalty in stoppage time.
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Jurgen Klopp named his first ever unchanged lineup after taking over in October last season but will be worried as Liverpool now have injuries to three of their first team players in Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge.
Sunderland are back to the bottom of the table after a loss at Anfield keeps them at just 8 points.
Let's take a look at the player ratings from the action packed encounter from Anfield:
Liverpool
Loris Karius: 6.5/10
The German made a hash of one goal kick but apart from that was comfortable for the entire game. He looked sharp as he came out of his line on a couple of situations but made just one save as Sunderland rarely attacked.
Nathaniel Clyne: 6.5/10
Clyne was again at his absolute best in defending and passed the ball around well at times. He had some problems in overlapping and his first touch could have been a tad better.
Dejan Lovren: 7.5/10
Lovren had yet another commanding display as he held his ground well against the towering Victor Anichebe. He also passed the ball well and also tried his luck with a couple of shots from long range.
Joel Matip: 7/10
The Cameroonian was at times near the wrong 18-yard box on a number of occasions as such was Liverpool's domination. Matip was even ahead of the midfielders at times. He was brilliant in the air and also moved the ball around well.
James Milner: 7.5/10
The left back's game upped a notch in the second half as Liverpool showed more urgency after the break. His crosses were poor but he worked tirelessly to create opportunities. The veteran scored his fifth goal of the campaign from the penalty spot as a dream season continues for the ever improving Englishman.
Jordan Henderson: 8/10
The Liverpool captain delivered a stunning performance with Steven Gerrard overlooking the proceedings. The former Sunderland man was involved in every Liverpool attack and had a brilliant 91% pass succession rate and also delivered threatening deliveries from corners.
Emre Can: 8/10
Can delivered a first class performance and was unlucky to not cap it off with a goal. He was creative with his touches and tried every which way to make something happen against Sunderland's 'double decker bus'.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 6.5/10
The Dutchman was handy at times as he was present in dangerous positions for the Reds. He had a number of chances but failed to connect a single shot properly. Wijnaldum may struggle once Adam Lallana gets fit again to start.
Philippe Coutinho: 5/10
The Brazilian started the game well but suffered an injury while attempting a shot and received a blow on his right ankle. He was stretchered off the field.
Sadio Mane: 6.5/10
Mane had an off day and nothing went according to plan for the winger. He fluffed his shots and also lost possession on a number of occasions. His performance improved in the dying stages and he won a penalty after running with the ball from half line.
Roberto Firmino: 7/10
Firmino also looked a bit jaded at times but never stopped pressing and looked to win the ball back. The Brazilian also received a knock and was substituted late in the game.
Substitutions
Divock Origi: 7.5/10
The young Belgian grabbed his chance with both hands and scored a brilliant goal from a tight angle to give Liverpool the much-deserved lead. He was tireless in his entire performance and ran through the channels giving the Sunderland defenders a headache.
Lucas Leiva: 6/10
Jurgen Klopp brought the defensive midfielder in the dying stages of the game to shut shop and guarantee all three points and the Brazilian did just that.
Ben Woodburn : N/A
The 17-year-old made his league debut in stoppage time but had little time to do anything worth mentioning.
Sunderland
Jordan Pickford: 7/10
Easily the visitor's best player, the young goalkeeper’s distribution was top notch and he could not have done anything for both the goals. A star in the making, he looks so confident whatever may be the situation.
Billy Jones: 6/10
The full-back did his job to the tee as he negated much of the threat from his flank and was largely effective for the Black Cats.
John O'Shea: 5/10
The veteran looked off the pace at times as he committed some unnecessary fouls along the way. He was booked rightly by referee Anthony Taylor.
Lamine Kone: 6.5/10
Kone was brilliant and resolute in defence and gave a no-nonsense display for Sunderland. He covered well for his teammates and showed his experience and intelligence in the back line.
Patrick van Aanholt: 5.5/10
van Aanholt had an average game, was decent with his passing at times but struggled to keep Liverpool's attackers in check.
Jason Denayer: 5/10
Denayer offered nothing in the entire game and was beaten far too easily at times. The defender should have done better to contain Sadio Mane who blitzed past him before winning the penalty.
Ibrahim Ndong: 6.5/10
Ndong was colossal for the visitors as he covered every inch of grass for Sunderland. The penalty that he gave away was the only blemish in a wonderful performance from the midfielder.
Steven Pienaar: 5.5/10
The South African had a decent chance which he hit straight to the keeper. Pienaar showed good work rate before he was substituted.
Duncan Whatmore: 6/10
The youngster has immense work rate which was present in his performance against the Reds but his defending for Origi’s goal was questionable as the Liverpool attacker beat him quite easily.
Victor Anichebe: 6/10
The strong forward was Sunderland's only attacking hope and he created some opportunities for his side. He also did well in covering Nathaniel Clyne in defence.
Jermaine Defoe: 4.5/10
The striker was devoid of service and cut a lonely figure for David Moyes' side. It was one of Defoe's poorer games this season.
Substitutions
Lynden Gooch: 6/10
He was brought on for Pienaar but was ineffective as his main role was to only close down Liverpool attackers.
Adnan Januzaj: 5/10
The Sunderland manager brought on in the 79th minute and the Belgian did not have any time to make any sort of impact.
