A Glimmer of Liverpool Light from the Stadium of Light

SUNDERLAND, THURSDAY — Liverpool remains in sixth place, but their 1-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Thursday (12/2/2026) early morning WIB has rekindled their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season. A header from Virgil van Dijk, following a corner kick from Mohamed Salah at the beginning of the second half, provided a glimmer of hope amid a series of poor results throughout 2026.

The acquisition of three points against Sunderland marked only their second victory in the English Premier League since the turn of the year. Liverpool's coach, Arne Slot, acknowledged that his position as coach is in jeopardy if "The Reds" fail to secure a ticket to the Champions League, despite having successfully delivered the league title in his first season last year.

Fifth place is sufficient for Liverpool due to the impressive performance of the English representatives in European competitions this season. England is likely to secure five spots in the Champions League next season thanks to the clubs' dominance in the top eight positions of the league phase this season.

The additional three points from Sunderland allowed Liverpool to reduce the gap to two points behind Chelsea in fifth place and three points behind Manchester United in fourth place.

The result also makes Liverpool the first team to achieve victory at the Stadium of Light this season. Sunderland's record as the only team unbeaten at home this season has come to an end, causing their position in the standings to drop to 11th place.

After the match, Slot praised the performance of his players, especially winger Mohamed Salah. The two had been involved in a dispute this season that led to Salah losing his position as a key player and being rumored to be leaving for Saudi Arabia.

The cause of the dispute includes Salah's claim that he was made a scapegoat for Liverpool's poor performance this season. However, they were able to resolve their differences, allowing Salah to return as a starting player.

A mistake in creating an assist for Van Dijk's goal allowed him to equal Liverpool's assist record in the Premier League. Slot's willingness to highlight Salah's precisely measured corner kick—which was then headed in by Van Dijk for a goal in the 61st minute—serves as a strong signal that their relationship is beginning to recover.

The last assist by the Egyptian striker was the 92nd assist of his legendary career with Liverpool, matching another Anfield icon, Steven Gerrard.

"He has so many records for the club, but to have this particular record alongside a great player (Gerrard)—both are extraordinary players for this club," said Slot. "Unfortunately for Steven, I predict that Mo will surpass him."

According to Slot, Liverpool's second victory out of the last eight matches is very important in their efforts to chase a Champions League ticket. "It is very important. I think we worked hard, after only two days of rest. Then playing in a difficult away match. We showed again that we can play well," said Slot.

The only disappointing aspect for Slot is the injury of midfielder Wataru Endo. This has exacerbated the injury crisis faced by Liverpool.

The Japanese player has been appointed as the right-back to replace Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, who are injured, while Dominik Szoboszlai must serve a suspension. (AFP)