Goals:

0-1: Sturridge (19, flicked a header over Mannone and into the net from close range after Lovren had volleyed a corner goalwards)

1-1: Defoe pen (25, picked out the bottom right corner of Mignolet’s net with a low strike after Ndong was fouled)

1-2: Mane (72, pounced in the six yard to turn over the line after Djilobodji had flicked on a corner)

2-2: Defoe pen (84, found the same corner but send Mignolet the wrong way after Mane’s silly handball)

Bookings: Rodwell (13, foul); Milner (29, foul)

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Wythenshawe) – correctly awarded Sunderland a penalty and correctly awarded a second, even if Klopp was infuriated by the free-kick decision in the build up. 7

Attendance: 46, 494

Entertainment: ***

Sund Liv

Shots on 5 15

Shots off 5 6

Corners 2 5

Fouls 10 10

Offsides 1 2

SUNDERLAND (4-4-1-1):

8 MANNONE: A far better performance than at Turf Moor, making a number of decent stops to frustrate Liverpool;

6 Love: Had to defend strongly and recovered from an early blunder with a crossfield pass to perform well

7 O’Shea: A much better display at the heart of the defence and tried to lead by example

6 Djilobodji: Flicked into the path of Mane for the winner on an afternoon when he had been relatively effective

6 van Aanholt: Lively enough going forward and his pace was a useful tool in helping out at the back too;

6 Borini: Had to work hard on the right of midfield and made sure he did to help protect Love

6 Ndong: Earned the penalty with a rare run into the penalty area and signed off before his Africa Cup of Nations trip with a decent showing

6 Rodwell: Tired on his return as the second half developed but had a decent opening period

7 Larsson: Will be an important player in the weeks ahead with his experience and ability to cross the ball;

7 Januzaj: Flashes of his talent once more and needs to come up with a way of delivering for the 90 minutes;

7 Defoe: Another game another two goals, even if it is a different year.

Subs:

Manquillo (for Rodwell 66): Got involved after his introduction. 5

Khazri (for Januzaj 78)

(not used): Mika (gk), Honeyman, Maja, Embleton, Ledger.

LIVERPOOL (4-3-2-1): Mignolet 7; Clyne 7, Lovren 7, Klavan 6, Milner 6 (Moreno 46, 5); LALLANA 7, Can 5, Wijnaldum 6 (Origi 73); Mane 6, Firmino 6; Sturridge 6 (Lucas 79). Subs (not used): Karius (gk), Stewart, Ejaria, Alexander-Arnold.

MAN OF THE MATCH: VITO Mannone – had plenty to do and did in a far greater manner than he did on his return to action at Burnley; more of this required.