After Liverpool’s 1-0 away victory over Sunderland on Saturday, Jack Lusby selects five talking points from the clash.
It may not have been the goal tally Liverpool’s performance deserved, but manager Brendan Rodgers will surely be pleased that his side recorded another victory with their 1-0 win away to Sunderland on Saturday.
An early goal from forward Lazar Markovic was enough to seal the three points for the Reds, who were aided by midfielder Liam Bridcutt’s second-half red card.
So what have we learned from this tie?
Here, we select five talking points from Liverpool’s latest win.
Lucas Leiva’s Importance
Continuing his Liverpool resurgence, midfielder Lucas Leiva was a standout candidate for man of the match on Saturday, with an assured display.
As outlined by an alarming statistic after the game, Lucas’ role this season has been integral:
While this may primarily serve as an indictment of fielding a specialist defensive midfielder, Lucas’ role cannot be underestimated.
Lucas made six tackles on Saturday, more than any other player, as well as two interceptions, breaking up play and, with one key pass to his name, also helping to create chances.
With reports surfacing after the game that Serie A side Inter Milan were stepping up their interest in Lucas this January, this performance serves as a timely reminder of what Liverpool will be missing.
Lucas may not be the most accomplished option, but he is currently Liverpool’s best defensive midfielder and a key component in Rodgers’ improved side this season.
Mamadou Sakho and Emre Can: Modern Centre-Backs?
What was starkly apparent against Sunderland, and has been in recent weeks, was the upturn in fluidity of play involving Liverpool’s back line.
This can be attributed to the presence of Mamadou Sakho and Emre Can.
Rodgers’ system relies on building from the back, and too often this season the Reds’ progress has been stunted by uninspired passing from the likes of Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel.
Against Sunderland, both Sakho and Can were direct and precise in their passing, and both created dangerous moves for the Reds.
Sakho posted a 95.3 per cent passing accuracy, while Can found his man 92.2 per cent of the time.
While it can be argued that Can’s best position—and his long-term role for Liverpool—is as a deep-lying midfielder, perhaps for now Liverpool have found the central defensive partnership that makes their system tick?
Lazar Markovic’s Growth
It was always going to take Markovic time to settle into life at his new club.
Since a pair of exciting cameos against FC Basel and Manchester United in December, Markovic has become a regular fixture in Rodgers’ starting line-up, and a starring performance on Saturday compounded this decision.
Markovic made four successful dribbles, second only to Philippe Coutinho of any player on Saturday, and obviously capped his display with a goal borne of sheer persistence.
Such was Markovic’s confidence that his acrobatic volley almost put Liverpool two up shortly after his first.
Liverpool fans should be encouraged that Markovic is just 20 years old, too, and it remains early days for the forward on Merseyside.
His performances can only improve as this growth continues.
Steven Gerrard’s Advanced Role is the Way Forward
To further highlight Lucas’ display, it can be argued that the midfielder wasn’t hampered by the presence of Steven Gerrard in an unnatural role alongside him.
Since Gerrard’s summer departure announcement, Rodgers has utilised the captain in a more advanced role, partnering Lucas with Jordan Henderson.
As a result of this, Gerrard’s form and influence have picked up.
Gerrard’s role in Markovic’s opening goal underlines how he is more effective in an advanced role, as his interplay with Fabio Borini helped negate the Sunderland defence.
Furthermore, Gerrard registered the joint-most crosses (3) of any Liverpool player, tied with Markovic, despite playing just 45 minutes.
Perhaps also encouraging is that Rodgers was happy to withdraw the midfielder, reportedly due to injury, when his former role was deemed indispensable.
Rodgers’ In-Game Management Still an Issue
While most takeaways from this result are positive, the decision to replace Gerrard with Lovren at half-time was a bizarre one from Rodgers.
Introducing Lovren, a high-profile summer signing in danger of becoming another expensive flop, forced Rodgers to alter his starting formation.
Can was brought forward into a midfield position, while Markovic’s original position in the midfield was altered.
While Can continued to impress, Markovic’s role—which saw him so devastating in the first half—was marginalised significantly; no longer able to charge at Sunderland’s defence from deep, Markovic was effectively annulled by Rodgers’ tactical tinkering.
Furthermore, Lovren was fielded in an unnatural right- centre-back role, and evidently suffered.
On a day when the 17-year-old potential Gerrard successor, Jordan Rossiter, was included on Rodgers’ substitutes’ bench, and with Liverpool so confident in their dominance, it remains bemusing that the manager kept his precocious teenager on the bench.
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
Do you agree with our assessment of Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Sunderland? Let us know in the comments below.
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After Liverpool’s 1-0 away victory over Sunderland on Saturday, Jack Lusby selects five talking points from the clash.
It may not have been the goal tally Liverpool’s performance deserved, but manager Brendan Rodgers will surely be pleased that his side recorded another victory with their 1-0 win away to Sunderland on Saturday.
An early goal from forward Lazar Markovic was enough to seal the three points for the Reds, who were aided by midfielder Liam Bridcutt’s second-half red card.
So what have we learned from this tie?
Here, we select five talking points from Liverpool’s latest win.
Lucas Leiva’s Importance
Continuing his Liverpool resurgence, midfielder Lucas Leiva was a standout candidate for man of the match on Saturday, with an assured display.
As outlined by an alarming statistic after the game, Lucas’ role this season has been integral:
While this may primarily serve as an indictment of fielding a specialist defensive midfielder, Lucas’ role cannot be underestimated.
Lucas made six tackles on Saturday, more than any other player, as well as two interceptions, breaking up play and, with one key pass to his name, also helping to create chances.
With reports surfacing after the game that Serie A side Inter Milan were stepping up their interest in Lucas this January, this performance serves as a timely reminder of what Liverpool will be missing.
Lucas may not be the most accomplished option, but he is currently Liverpool’s best defensive midfielder and a key component in Rodgers’ improved side this season.
Mamadou Sakho and Emre Can: Modern Centre-Backs?
What was starkly apparent against Sunderland, and has been in recent weeks, was the upturn in fluidity of play involving Liverpool’s back line.
This can be attributed to the presence of Mamadou Sakho and Emre Can.
Rodgers’ system relies on building from the back, and too often this season the Reds’ progress has been stunted by uninspired passing from the likes of Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel.
Against Sunderland, both Sakho and Can were direct and precise in their passing, and both created dangerous moves for the Reds.
Sakho posted a 95.3 per cent passing accuracy, while Can found his man 92.2 per cent of the time.
While it can be argued that Can’s best position—and his long-term role for Liverpool—is as a deep-lying midfielder, perhaps for now Liverpool have found the central defensive partnership that makes their system tick?
Lazar Markovic’s Growth
It was always going to take Markovic time to settle into life at his new club.
Since a pair of exciting cameos against FC Basel and Manchester United in December, Markovic has become a regular fixture in Rodgers’ starting line-up, and a starring performance on Saturday compounded this decision.
Markovic made four successful dribbles, second only to Philippe Coutinho of any player on Saturday, and obviously capped his display with a goal borne of sheer persistence.
Such was Markovic’s confidence that his acrobatic volley almost put Liverpool two up shortly after his first.
Liverpool fans should be encouraged that Markovic is just 20 years old, too, and it remains early days for the forward on Merseyside.
His performances can only improve as this growth continues.
Steven Gerrard’s Advanced Role is the Way Forward
To further highlight Lucas’ display, it can be argued that the midfielder wasn’t hampered by the presence of Steven Gerrard in an unnatural role alongside him.
Since Gerrard’s summer departure announcement, Rodgers has utilised the captain in a more advanced role, partnering Lucas with Jordan Henderson.
As a result of this, Gerrard’s form and influence have picked up.
Gerrard’s role in Markovic’s opening goal underlines how he is more effective in an advanced role, as his interplay with Fabio Borini helped negate the Sunderland defence.
Furthermore, Gerrard registered the joint-most crosses (3) of any Liverpool player, tied with Markovic, despite playing just 45 minutes.
Perhaps also encouraging is that Rodgers was happy to withdraw the midfielder, reportedly due to injury, when his former role was deemed indispensable.
Rodgers’ In-Game Management Still an Issue
While most takeaways from this result are positive, the decision to replace Gerrard with Lovren at half-time was a bizarre one from Rodgers.
Introducing Lovren, a high-profile summer signing in danger of becoming another expensive flop, forced Rodgers to alter his starting formation.
Can was brought forward into a midfield position, while Markovic’s original position in the midfield was altered.
While Can continued to impress, Markovic’s role—which saw him so devastating in the first half—was marginalised significantly; no longer able to charge at Sunderland’s defence from deep, Markovic was effectively annulled by Rodgers’ tactical tinkering.
Furthermore, Lovren was fielded in an unnatural right- centre-back role, and evidently suffered.
On a day when the 17-year-old potential Gerrard successor, Jordan Rossiter, was included on Rodgers’ substitutes’ bench, and with Liverpool so confident in their dominance, it remains bemusing that the manager kept his precocious teenager on the bench.
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
Do you agree with our assessment of Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Sunderland? Let us know in the comments below.
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Saido Berahino has been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent weeks, and there are reports that the young striker is desperate for a big-money move to Anfield.
According to the Mirror , the 21-year-old is stalling on a new deal at West Brom- one that would make him the club’s highest paid player in history- because of his desperation to join the Reds for a reported £20m.
Liverpool have shown an interest in acquiring the Englishman’s signature in recent weeks, and the fact he is young, British and has great potential is something that often appeals to Brendan Rodgers.
Tottenham are also thought to be keen on purchasing the England Under-21 star, but it is believed that his preference is Merseyside.
Berahino has been in scintillating form for the Premier League strugglers this season, scoring 14 goals in 25 appearances. He scored the only goal of the game in his side’s 1-0 win over Hull City on Saturday.
Whether Rodgers is going to have that kind of money to spend this month is debatable, however, considering the amount spent last summer.
Berahino would bring guaranteed goals and pace to the team, and if you look at his current form, in particular, he would be a far better option than Rickie Lambert, Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini.
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Saido Berahino has been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent weeks, and there are reports that the young striker is desperate for a big-money move to Anfield.
According to the Mirror , the 21-year-old is stalling on a new deal at West Brom- one that would make him the club’s highest paid player in history- because of his desperation to join the Reds for a reported £20m.
Liverpool have shown an interest in acquiring the Englishman’s signature in recent weeks, and the fact he is young, British and has great potential is something that often appeals to Brendan Rodgers.
Tottenham are also thought to be keen on purchasing the England Under-21 star, but it is believed that his preference is Merseyside.
Berahino has been in scintillating form for the Premier League strugglers this season, scoring 14 goals in 25 appearances. He scored the only goal of the game in his side’s 1-0 win over Hull City on Saturday.
Whether Rodgers is going to have that kind of money to spend this month is debatable, however, considering the amount spent last summer.
Berahino would bring guaranteed goals and pace to the team, and if you look at his current form, in particular, he would be a far better option than Rickie Lambert, Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini.
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Despite Brendan Rodgers publicly claiming there will be little or no activity from Liverpool this January, the media are linking the Reds with plenty of players in and out of Anfield.
“Mario Balotelli is set to become the catalyst in a complicated January transfer window jigsaw for Liverpool,” claims Rob Shepherd in The Daily Mail.
“Then Liverpool may splash out £30million to sign striker Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli given that Rafael Benitez has just signed Sampdoria striker Manolo Gabbiadini.”
This is echoed by Mark Burton of The Independent: “Liverpool are reported to be close to signing Gonzalo Higuain for about £30 million [..] as they try to shuffle their attacking forces by shipping out Mario Balotelli.”
Burton claims PSG have expressed an interest in taking Balotelli on loan due to their Financial Fair Play issues. A somewhat sceptical claim. The Italian forward was linked with a move to Olympiacos earlier this week.
Shepherd claims “Liverpool are desperate to bring two or three players in and reshape their squad. The activity around Anfield could be frenetic in the coming fortnight or so.”
Meanwhile, Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has hinted he would be keen on linking back up with Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli by suggesting he is among the world’s best players.
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Despite Brendan Rodgers publicly claiming there will be little or no activity from Liverpool this January, the media are linking the Reds with plenty of players in and out of Anfield.
“Mario Balotelli is set to become the catalyst in a complicated January transfer window jigsaw for Liverpool,” claims Rob Shepherd in The Daily Mail.
“Then Liverpool may splash out £30million to sign striker Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli given that Rafael Benitez has just signed Sampdoria striker Manolo Gabbiadini.”
This is echoed by Mark Burton of The Independent: “Liverpool are reported to be close to signing Gonzalo Higuain for about £30 million [..] as they try to shuffle their attacking forces by shipping out Mario Balotelli.”
Burton claims PSG have expressed an interest in taking Balotelli on loan due to their Financial Fair Play issues. A somewhat sceptical claim. The Italian forward was linked with a move to Olympiacos earlier this week.
Shepherd claims “Liverpool are desperate to bring two or three players in and reshape their squad. The activity around Anfield could be frenetic in the coming fortnight or so.”
Meanwhile, Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has hinted he would be keen on linking back up with Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli by suggesting he is among the world’s best players.
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Lucas Leiva has seemingly confirmed reports that he is set to leave Liverpool for Inter Milan in the coming days, having posted what might be a goodbye message on twitter.
The Brazilian took to social media on Saturda, following a terrific individual performance against Sunderland, saying “”Great win, thanks for everything.”
If there were ever any doubts about the 28-year-old’s future, the reliable likes of Chris Bascombe and Tony Barrett have also confirmed the rumours in the last couple of days, that message alone would appear to suggest he has played his last game for Liverpool.
Brendan Rodgers hinted prior to the Sunderland game that Lucas could be on his way. Although he said a loan deal would not be happening, he failed to rule out a permanent switch.
“There will be no loan deal for Lucas. We have had nothing as of yet in writing. I have spoken to him. He has been a player who has been in the team so we will look to keep him.”
The former Gremio star, who has been at Anfield since 2007, has enjoyed an impressive return to the Reds side this season, having initially appeared to be no part of Rodgers’ 2014/15 plans.
He has brought top class defensive cover in midfield, and his performance on Saturday showed exactly what Liverpool are going to be losing.
There are rumours linking Fabian Delph as his replacement in the middle of the park, with the Mirror reporting Rodgers is keen on acquiring the England international for £7.5m.
Lucas has become a popular player on Merseyside after a tough to start life there, and his likeable personality and influence on the pitch will be greatly missed.
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Lucas Leiva has seemingly confirmed reports that he is set to leave Liverpool for Inter Milan in the coming days, having posted what might be a goodbye message on twitter.
The Brazilian took to social media on Saturda, following a terrific individual performance against Sunderland, saying “”Great win, thanks for everything.”
If there were ever any doubts about the 28-year-old’s future, the reliable likes of Chris Bascombe and Tony Barrett have also confirmed the rumours in the last couple of days, that message alone would appear to suggest he has played his last game for Liverpool.
Brendan Rodgers hinted prior to the Sunderland game that Lucas could be on his way. Although he said a loan deal would not be happening, he failed to rule out a permanent switch.
“There will be no loan deal for Lucas. We have had nothing as of yet in writing. I have spoken to him. He has been a player who has been in the team so we will look to keep him.”
The former Gremio star, who has been at Anfield since 2007, has enjoyed an impressive return to the Reds side this season, having initially appeared to be no part of Rodgers’ 2014/15 plans.
He has brought top class defensive cover in midfield, and his performance on Saturday showed exactly what Liverpool are going to be losing.
There are rumours linking Fabian Delph as his replacement in the middle of the park, with the Mirror reporting Rodgers is keen on acquiring the England international for £7.5m.
Lucas has become a popular player on Merseyside after a tough to start life there, and his likeable personality and influence on the pitch will be greatly missed.
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“Has all the talk about Liverpool’s decline been exaggerated?” is how Louise Taylor of The Guardian ‘s match report of Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool begins. “Or is it more a case of Sunderland’s deficiencies being under-estimated?”
![SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 10, 2015: Liverpool's Lazar Markovic [hidden] scores the first goal against Sunderland during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uYPpcCTUcokWI-h3oOmePddGzX-LN4jFGjuX7u8tDjNCXBg6tH-4GVr9-eVKRrfIAHDz5l3j7k0A=s0-d)
Indeed Liverpool’s victory at a windy Stadium of Light was an improved performance, with flourishes of brilliance, juxtaposed with a dismal Sunderland display that should leave Mackems fearing for the Black Cats’ season.
Lazar Markovic bundled the ball past Costel Pantilimon as early as the ninth minute and that’s how things stayed, despite a number of chances for the visitors to extend their lead.
Taylor writes:
With Steven Gerrard deployed in a more advanced role than usual during the final north-east leg of his farewell tour, Liverpool were omnipotent. Tellingly, Rodgers’s 3-4-3 formation – initially featuring the impressively influential Gerrard on the right of an attacking trident that also included Borini and Coutinho – seemed to be fully fazing a Sunderland ensemble apparently unable to fathom this configuration.
Like Taylor, Alan O’Brien of the Independent is also quick to point out Liverpool’s stumbled comeback from what many deemed a failure of a season.
It is one defeat in nine now and a season that was disintegrating a couple of months ago has life. They are just four points behind fourth placed Southampton and within five of their old rivals Manchester United.
Markovic had probably his best game yet since his summer move from Benfica, particularly with a bright first half performance, which Luke Edwards of The Telegraph focuses on.
Markovic, like much of what Liverpool created in the first half, was a problem Sunderland could not solve. He smashed a superb volley off the Sunderland crossbar on the half hour. Pantilimon, for all his size, was nowhere near it.
Deployed in a wing back role, Markovic bursts forward from deep positions, making it hard for opposition players to pick him up. At £20m, the 20-year-old was not cheap, but there are signs there is more to come as he adapts to a new country and style of football. The former Benfica winger is improving fast and with Daniel Sturridge still to return from injury, Liverpool are a rising force.
The high praise of Markovic can’t be said for Fabio Borini, who’s workrate cannot be questioned, but his ability was.
Arash Hekmat of the Daily Mirror simply wrote: “No disrespect to the Italian, but he’s not the answer to the current striker shortage at Liverpool.”
Liverpool now go to Aston Villa next Saturday looking to further close the gap on the top four.
With Villa (A), West Ham (H) and struggling Everton (A) the Reds’ next three games, this is a vital opportunity for Liverpool to recover some ground from the shortfalls earlier in the season.
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“Has all the talk about Liverpool’s decline been exaggerated?” is how Louise Taylor of The Guardian ‘s match report of Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool begins. “Or is it more a case of Sunderland’s deficiencies being under-estimated?”
Indeed Liverpool’s victory at a windy Stadium of Light was an improved performance, with flourishes of brilliance, juxtaposed with a dismal Sunderland display that should leave Mackems fearing for the Black Cats’ season.
Lazar Markovic bundled the ball past Costel Pantilimon as early as the ninth minute and that’s how things stayed, despite a number of chances for the visitors to extend their lead.
Taylor writes:
With Steven Gerrard deployed in a more advanced role than usual during the final north-east leg of his farewell tour, Liverpool were omnipotent. Tellingly, Rodgers’s 3-4-3 formation – initially featuring the impressively influential Gerrard on the right of an attacking trident that also included Borini and Coutinho – seemed to be fully fazing a Sunderland ensemble apparently unable to fathom this configuration.
Like Taylor, Alan O’Brien of the Independent is also quick to point out Liverpool’s stumbled comeback from what many deemed a failure of a season.
It is one defeat in nine now and a season that was disintegrating a couple of months ago has life. They are just four points behind fourth placed Southampton and within five of their old rivals Manchester United.
Markovic had probably his best game yet since his summer move from Benfica, particularly with a bright first half performance, which Luke Edwards of The Telegraph focuses on.
Markovic, like much of what Liverpool created in the first half, was a problem Sunderland could not solve. He smashed a superb volley off the Sunderland crossbar on the half hour. Pantilimon, for all his size, was nowhere near it.
Deployed in a wing back role, Markovic bursts forward from deep positions, making it hard for opposition players to pick him up. At £20m, the 20-year-old was not cheap, but there are signs there is more to come as he adapts to a new country and style of football. The former Benfica winger is improving fast and with Daniel Sturridge still to return from injury, Liverpool are a rising force.
The high praise of Markovic can’t be said for Fabio Borini, who’s workrate cannot be questioned, but his ability was.
Arash Hekmat of the Daily Mirror simply wrote: “No disrespect to the Italian, but he’s not the answer to the current striker shortage at Liverpool.”
Liverpool now go to Aston Villa next Saturday looking to further close the gap on the top four.
With Villa (A), West Ham (H) and struggling Everton (A) the Reds’ next three games, this is a vital opportunity for Liverpool to recover some ground from the shortfalls earlier in the season.
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes the club's arrivals from last summer are starting to prove their worth after the Reds claimed a 1-0 win at Sunderland.
Rodgers came under pressure earlier in the season due to a run of poor results and a host of summer signings failing to make an impression.
Yet their hopes of a Barclays Premier League top-four finish have been given a boost by a run that has seen them lose just once in 12 games.
And Lazar Markovic, signed from Benfica for a reported £20million fee last July, produced his best performance in a Liverpool shirt, scoring a ninth-minute winner at the Stadium of Light.
Rodgers told BT Sport 1: "Our confidence is returning. It's a team that gets better and better as the season goes on. This year a lot of new players have come in but they're understanding their way of working
"We've got a lot of exciting young talent here that are just slowly starting to feel their way into our team and our philosophy. They're playing very well so we just want to keep that continuity and keep that work going."
Rodgers was delighted with his side's performance against Sunderland, who were booed off at the end of both halves following a flat display.
"It was an outstanding team performance today. I thought we had great control of the game, I suppose the only disappointment was that we never got more goals," he said.
"No matter how much domination you have of a game, when it's 1-0 you're always going to be asked to defend, and when they did that the players were outstanding.
"So a great victory for us and it just keeps our momentum going."
Markovic put his side ahead with a clinical finish, but was denied what would have been a superb second when the underside of the crossbar kept out his acrobatic half-volley.
Jordan Henderson, who moved to Anfield from Sunderland in 2011, said of his team-mate: "He's a fantastic player, got great potential and he's wanting to learn all the time.
"He puts in hard work on the training field and I think you've seen that with the quality he's got going forward."
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes the club's arrivals from last summer are starting to prove their worth after the Reds claimed a 1-0 win at Sunderland.
Rodgers came under pressure earlier in the season due to a run of poor results and a host of summer signings failing to make an impression.
Yet their hopes of a Barclays Premier League top-four finish have been given a boost by a run that has seen them lose just once in 12 games.
And Lazar Markovic, signed from Benfica for a reported £20million fee last July, produced his best performance in a Liverpool shirt, scoring a ninth-minute winner at the Stadium of Light.
Rodgers told BT Sport 1: "Our confidence is returning. It's a team that gets better and better as the season goes on. This year a lot of new players have come in but they're understanding their way of working
"We've got a lot of exciting young talent here that are just slowly starting to feel their way into our team and our philosophy. They're playing very well so we just want to keep that continuity and keep that work going."
Rodgers was delighted with his side's performance against Sunderland, who were booed off at the end of both halves following a flat display.
"It was an outstanding team performance today. I thought we had great control of the game, I suppose the only disappointment was that we never got more goals," he said.
"No matter how much domination you have of a game, when it's 1-0 you're always going to be asked to defend, and when they did that the players were outstanding.
"So a great victory for us and it just keeps our momentum going."
Markovic put his side ahead with a clinical finish, but was denied what would have been a superb second when the underside of the crossbar kept out his acrobatic half-volley.
Jordan Henderson, who moved to Anfield from Sunderland in 2011, said of his team-mate: "He's a fantastic player, got great potential and he's wanting to learn all the time.
"He puts in hard work on the training field and I think you've seen that with the quality he's got going forward."
It was perhaps less comfortable than it looked like it was going to be after a dominant first half performance, but Liverpool return from the north-east with all three points after a 1-0 win at Sunderland on Saturday.
![SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 10, 2015: Liverpool's Lazar Markovic [hidden] scores the first goal against Sunderland during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_v2NjQhfyrRsnkci_rq2DaQMZVZxJlnVAv2yIhSkRy6Ji4JzxD0sLor0vRzNe6nvjeXRDjpxvT38A=s0-d)
Lazar Markovic’s ninth minute goal proved the matchwinner, with the Serbian winger enjoying his best performance for the club, picking up the man of the match award.
It’s been a busy period for Liverpool, who now have a full week before their next match – away to Aston Villa next Saturday.
The improved form was evident across social media as the players celebrated the win, showing their team spirit.
Well done boys. Good 3 points! ????????????
A photo posted by Philippe Coutinho (@phil.coutinho) on Jan 10, 2015 at 6:49am PST
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It was perhaps less comfortable than it looked like it was going to be after a dominant first half performance, but Liverpool return from the north-east with all three points after a 1-0 win at Sunderland on Saturday.
Lazar Markovic’s ninth minute goal proved the matchwinner, with the Serbian winger enjoying his best performance for the club, picking up the man of the match award.
It’s been a busy period for Liverpool, who now have a full week before their next match – away to Aston Villa next Saturday.
The improved form was evident across social media as the players celebrated the win, showing their team spirit.
Well done boys. Good 3 points! ????????????
A photo posted by Philippe Coutinho (@phil.coutinho) on Jan 10, 2015 at 6:49am PST
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes the club’s arrivals from last summer are starting to prove their worth after the Reds claimed a 1-0 win at Sunderland.
Rodgers came under pressure earlier in the season due to a run of poor results and a host of summer signings failing to make an impression. Yet their hopes of a Premier League top-four finish have been given a boost by a run that has seen them lose just once in 12 games.
And Lazar Markovic, signed from Benfica for a reported £20million fee last July, produced his best performance in a Liverpool shirt, scoring a ninth-minute winner at the Stadium of Light.
Rodgers told BT Sport 1: “Our confidence is returning. It’s a team that gets better and better as the season goes on. This year a lot of new players have come in but they’re understanding their way of working.
“We’ve got a lot of exciting young talent here that are just slowly starting to feel their way into our team and our philosophy. They’re playing very well so we just want to keep that continuity and keep that work going.”
Rodgers was delighted with his side’s performance against Sunderland, who were booed off at the end of both halves following a flat display.
“It was an outstanding team performance today. I thought we had great control of the game, I suppose the only disappointment was that we never got more goals,” he said.
“No matter how much domination you have of a game, when it’s 1-0 you’re always going to be asked to defend, and when they did that the players were outstanding.
“So a great victory for us and it just keeps our momentum going.”
Markovic put his side ahead with a clinical finish, but was denied what would have been a superb second when the underside of the crossbar kept out his acrobatic half-volley.
Jordan Henderson, who moved to Anfield from Sunderland in 2011, said of his team-mate: “He’s a fantastic player, got great potential and he’s wanting to learn all the time.
“He puts in hard work on the training field and I think you’ve seen that with the quality he’s got going forward.”
PA
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes the club’s arrivals from last summer are starting to prove their worth after the Reds claimed a 1-0 win at Sunderland.
Rodgers came under pressure earlier in the season due to a run of poor results and a host of summer signings failing to make an impression. Yet their hopes of a Premier League top-four finish have been given a boost by a run that has seen them lose just once in 12 games.
And Lazar Markovic, signed from Benfica for a reported £20million fee last July, produced his best performance in a Liverpool shirt, scoring a ninth-minute winner at the Stadium of Light.
Rodgers told BT Sport 1: “Our confidence is returning. It’s a team that gets better and better as the season goes on. This year a lot of new players have come in but they’re understanding their way of working.
“We’ve got a lot of exciting young talent here that are just slowly starting to feel their way into our team and our philosophy. They’re playing very well so we just want to keep that continuity and keep that work going.”
Rodgers was delighted with his side’s performance against Sunderland, who were booed off at the end of both halves following a flat display.
“It was an outstanding team performance today. I thought we had great control of the game, I suppose the only disappointment was that we never got more goals,” he said.
“No matter how much domination you have of a game, when it’s 1-0 you’re always going to be asked to defend, and when they did that the players were outstanding.
“So a great victory for us and it just keeps our momentum going.”
Markovic put his side ahead with a clinical finish, but was denied what would have been a superb second when the underside of the crossbar kept out his acrobatic half-volley.
Jordan Henderson, who moved to Anfield from Sunderland in 2011, said of his team-mate: “He’s a fantastic player, got great potential and he’s wanting to learn all the time.
“He puts in hard work on the training field and I think you’ve seen that with the quality he’s got going forward.”
PA
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