On Wednesday night, Liverpool bounced back from the Manchester City disappointment with a sturdy and quality 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light over a dangerous Sunderland.
Virgil van Dijk's headed goal from a Mohamed Salah corner at the hour mark proved to be the difference on the day, but the Reds were the better side throughout.
As the race for Champions League football continues, Liverpool got a huge three points away from home. How did their players rate in the victory?
Alisson Becker - 7/10 - A clean sheet and no penalty antics in this one for Ali. Not his busiest night of work, but he was confident when he needed to be, cutting out any aerial threats.
Wataru Endo - 6.5/10 - Wata was rock solid as he stepped into the right-back role following injuries and suspension. He was calm and collected as we always see him. A brutal leg injury dampens the night.
Ibrahima Konate - 8.5/10 - This was one of the Frenchman's best showings of the season. He manhandled Brian Brobbey throughout and did not back down from a challenge. Had a good block as well following a dangerous Sunderland move. We need more like this please , Ibou.
Virgil van Dijk - 8/10 - Was the vocal leader on the night and scored the winning goal in a crucial match for the club. He was not challenged a lot defensively because of the play of Konate, but VVD did his part and more.
Andy Robertson - 6.5/10 - It was a solid, if not exciting, outing for Robbo on Wednesday. He no longer can bomb forward like he used to, so his impact is much more limited these days to defensive solidity and high work rate.
Alexis Mac Allister - 7/10 - Macca was better in this one then what we've seen recently. He snapped into some tackles and was in the right spot defensively more than once. Kept the ball progressing fast as well. Solid night.
Ryan Gravenberch - 6/10 - There was not a lot of need for the Dutchman to cut out a lot of attacks in this one, nor did he really find himself getting forward. He kind of floated around all night.
Florian Wirtz - 8/10 - He was the most influential player on the pitch for Liverpool in this one as every key attacking move flowed through him. Narrowly hit the post following a delicious first-touch, and his confidence is now clear to see.
Mohamed Salah - 7/10 - While he did register an assist in this one as it was his corner that was headed in by VVD, it was not an electrifying performance from our No. 11. Solid, but goals need to return soon.
Hugo Ekitike - 6/10 - Did not do a lot magical things in this match. Also, the service to him wasn't always the best, but he did push a clear header wide of goal. That's two straight matches where he should have probably scored but headed wide.
Cody Gakpo - 6/10 - He might be the most predictable forward in the league right now. Several times he cut in on his right and blasted a shot into a waiting defender. Even when he did go left, he still only passed with his right. Minimal attacking impact right now.
SUBS:
Joe Gomez - 6/10 - Came on for the injured Endo and was fine for the final half hour of action. Calm defensive header back to Alisson from a threatening cross.
Curtis Jones - 6.5/10 - Some fancy flicks and tricks before getting a shot just over the crossbar. Should see more minutes soon.
Federico Chiesa - N/A - Once again, came on late for mopup duty. Some fine dribbling on display.