Liverpool lose Coutinho in Sunderland win
LIVERPOOL overcame Sunderland but could face a run of games without Philippe Coutinho who was taken off on a stretcher at Anfield. The Reds went top before Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-1 and reclaim top spot last night.
The Brazillian clutched his ankle after a challenge from Didier Ndong late in a first half where Liverpool failed to turn 80% possession into clear chances. Sunderland threatened briefly in each period, with Steven Pienaar and Duncan Watmore taking heavy touches when presented with openings.
But as Jurgen Klopp’s side continued to press, it was Coutinho’s replacement, Divock Origi, who found the net with what appeared to be a right-foot cross from the left side of the area. It sparked relief at Anfield and when Ndong felled Sadio Mane in the box, James Milner converted a spotkick to make it 14 games unbeaten in all competitions for the Reds.
Chelsea will move back to the top of the table should they beat Tottenham in Saturday’s late kick-off but Liverpool have clear momentum and last tasted defeat in the Premier League in August.
How Liverpool deal with a potential lay-off for Coutinho will be critical in whether their momentum can lead to a push for an elusive Premier League title.
His contribution of five goals and six assists in the league sums up the key role he has under Klopp and his all-round displays have seen reports of interest from Barcelona. Against David Moyes’ side Coutinho seemed to be man-marked early on. When he escaped the attentions of Jason Denayer after half an hour he took a heavy touch in the area and felt the full force of Ndong’s clearance. There was no suggestion of a foul but Coutinho’s foot took the impact of both the ball and Ndong’s follow-through, and he instantly waved to the bench before grimacing during treatment.
Origi’s impact points to Liverpool having the resources to deal with any spell out for Coutinho. But with Sadio Mane primed to attend the African Cup of Nations with Senegal in January, Klopp will desperately hope he has not lost arguably his most creative force for long. — BBC Sport