Sunderland

Image source, Getty Images

Recently, Liverpool and the Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said former players-turned-pundits have a responsibility when discussing the performances of the current generation of footballers.

He believes they can stray into "clickbait" and have a possible impact on players' mental health.

On Thursday's episode of the More than the Score podcast, former Scotland international Pat Nevin and chief sports editor for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf Marcel van der Kraan join John Bennett to discuss and analyse the modern world of punditry and the impact it can have on players and managers alike.

"As a player you do tend to take it to heart, especially when it feels a little personal," said Nevin.

"Generally, it isn't personal and the pundit is just having their opinion and we all kind of know where the lines are. But, the lines have been jumped over more often in recent years and I think Van Dijk is right about that.

"Because of the clickbait, it is so much easier to get more likes, views and work if you're a little bit more extreme. Ex-players aren't stupid and they know that. If you are too sensible and sit on the fence you won't get the big gigs.

"You have a dichotomy. Most ex-players would like to be balanced but they know if they are too balanced and sensible they won't be there next week.

"My criticism would always be constructive criticism which is explained. One-dimensional labeling of players should never happen. Sometimes if a big name says something enough it becomes accepted wisdom."

Van der Kraan added: "There are two different kinds of pundits; those who need to be on every week and those who are genuinely focused on what is right and what players should do.

"For Van Dijk, after so many years enough is enough.

"It all started after he came into the Netherlands team and became a big player at Liverpool. The first ex-player to really criticise him was Marco van Basten, saying he was not a leader. Van Dijk was biting his lip after every match because it became a bit of a stigma.

"Eventually it filtered to England and every time he had a bad game it became an open nerve."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Sunderland and Liverpool.

Here are some of your comments:

Sunderland fans

Bob: We were not at the races - could have been 5-0. Did not use Nilson Angulo enough and we need to improve in all departments.

Keith: A game which eerily had a lack of passion and energy. Liverpool squandered their chances. Sunderland lacked the cutting edge up front and did not earn the right to get a result. A game that brought us down to earth.

Stephen: For me, Dan Ballard was man of the match but when does a player on the losing side ever receive that? Liverpool deserved the win and I'm not disheartened by our performance. Another night and different playing conditions and we could have at least got a point.

Alan: Pretty boring game with only rare moments of excitement from both teams. Our lads need to grasp the fact that it is OK to shoot for goal. Too many examples of 'just one more pass' when they inevitably lose possession. However, joint 11th will do - even if it has to be shared with them up the road.

John: Disappointing to lose but Liverpool played well so no disgrace to lose to them.

Liverpool fans

Owen: Very solid display. Hugo Ekitike very hit and miss - missed two good headers in the last two games and attacking threat is not great. Rio Ngumoha needs some more minutes.

Martin: Great defensive performance (for once!) but still need to be taking our chances at the other end. Cody Gakpo looks too predictable.

Ian: So sorry for Wataru Endo. As he always does, he gave his all and you have to question Arne Slot's stubbornness in not playing him earlier in the season. It would have meant Dominik Szoboszlai could have played in his natural midfield role. Massive best wishes to Wataru for a full and speedy recovery.

Graham: Hard fought win, but another major injury. Calvin Ramsay must start against Brighton in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Stephen: The win is the most important thing, second is the clean sheet. Onwards and upwards hopefully.

Sunderland defender Reinildo was speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle after their defeat by Liverpool.

He said: "We gave everything to win the game. We already knew it would be a tough game against a big team. We are working every day to win the game and not lose points. It's football. We lose together, we have to keep our heads up.

"It's tough to concede from a set-piece. Set-pieces make a big difference in this league.

"We know it's the best league in the world, a tough, tough league. But I'm very happy to be here to help my team, very happy to be here in Sunderland. I will give my best every day, every game to help my team."

Listen to Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett react to Sunderland's defeat to Liverpool on BBC Radio Newcastle.

Aadam Patel
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Much has been made of Sunderland's home record this season - and rightly so.

They went into their 1-0 loss to Liverpool with seven wins and five draws at the Stadium of Light in the top flight.

Liverpool's quality meant they were always going to have more of the ball but Regis le Bris' side were well-structured and initially made it difficult for the visitors to break through.

However, the gaps did open up as the game went on and Sunderland were perhaps fortunate Arne Slot's side were not more clinical.

Sunderland boss Le Bris made one change from their defeat at Arsenal with Nilson Angulo coming in for Chemsdine Talbi down the left.

Perhaps that was a change made with Liverpool's right-back crisis in mind - but Angulo rarely asked questions of Wataru Endo.

In possession, Sunderland missed the calming influence of Granit Xhaka, who has an ankle injury and watched on from the stands.

Ultimately, the hosts did not do enough going forward - with Alisson rarely threatened on his 250th Premier League appearance for Liverpool - but can take plenty of pride from a memorable home run.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Somers to bring you the action and talking points from Tuesday's and Wednesday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris, speaking to BBC MOTD: "Obviously, they are a good team and they played well. We struggled a bit in the first half to find the right distance against smart, agile players comfortable on the ball.

"I think we wasted a bit of energy at that time. We tried to be competitive, but the second half was better. We were more located on the pitch, and we had our opportunities, but small margins define this kind of game.

"In the final third they were good - the team spirit was excellent, once again. It is a question of details, but details make the difference. When you chase the game, it is not the easiest pitch because you have to be clean, recomposed with the ball and those small margins in the final third you can change the dynamic of the game.

"Now, we want to win points and the motivation of the squad is excellent. We have to be resilient. It is part of our journey."

Did you know?

• Sunderland have lost their first home match across all competitions since May 2025 (0-1 v Queens Park Rangers), putting an end to a 14-match unbeaten run (W7 D7).

• Liverpool attempted 23 shots tonight, the most that Sunderland have faced in a home league match since facing 24 against Chelsea in November 2014.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Sunderland's performance

What did you make of Liverpool's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

Nilson Angulo starts as Chemsdine Talbi drops to the bench for Regis Le Bris' side.

Sunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Sadiki, Diarra; Hume, Le Fee, Angulo; Brobbey.

Subs: Talbi, Rigg, O'Nien, Mundle, Eliezer Mayenda, Isidor, Geertruida, Ellborg, and Cirkin.

Image source, Premier League

For Liverpool, it's a first Premier League start of the season for Wataru Endo, who starts at right-back. Andy Robertson also comes in.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Endo, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.

Subs: Mamardashvili, Ramsay, Nyoni, Morrison, Kerkez, Jones, Gomez and Chiesa.

There are five games in the Premier League on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Aston Villa v Brighton

• Crystal Palace v Burnley

• Man City v Fulham

• Nottingham Forest v Wolves

• Sunderland v Liverpool (20:15)

Kick-off times 19:30 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

And listen to Around The Grounds on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds from 19:00

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

Sunderland will aim to continue their unbeaten home record this season against a Liverpool side who lost late on at home to Manchester City on Sunday.

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes going into their meeting at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland will attempt to bounce back from a competitive, if ultimately comprehensive defeat, at Arsenal on Saturday back in the secure surroundings of the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats' current unbeaten run of 12 Premier League home games is the longest of any side, most recently beating fellow promoted side Burnley on 2 February. Manchester City and Arsenal have both already failed to win on Wearside this season.

It's the longest run by a promoted side from the start of a top-flight season since 1978, when Nottingham Forest remained unbeaten in all 21 home outings enroute to winning the league title.

Next on the agenda for Regis le Bris' side is an attempt to arrest a winless run against Liverpool – and the time could be ripe to do so.

Sunderland have not beaten the Reds in 11 Premier League meetings, since a 1-0 home win 14 years ago, but all three of Liverpool's Premier League losses in this fixture have come away from home. The visitors will also be without key midfielder Dominic Szoboszlai following his dismissal in Sunday's defeat.

Erling Haaland's winner at the weekend was the sixth stoppage-time goal Arne Slot's side have conceded in the Premier League this season, with only Leeds United and Newcastle United letting in more.

And this one proved particularly costly, with Liverpool five points off fifth place. It is the kind of setback that is particularly unwanted on home soil when Liverpool are struggling so badly on the road.

They have won just two of their past 10 away matches (D3, L5), conceding 21 goals in total this season – which is more than bottom club Wolves.

Sunderland are winless in their eight most recent midweek Premier League games (D3, L5) – although their only goal during this run came in a 1-1 draw at Anfield in December.

Chemsdine Talbi scored on that occasion and he could become the first Sunderland player to score in both league meetings against Liverpool since Stan Cummins 45 years ago.

The Liverpool fans seem to have had enough of Arne Slot, which again makes no sense to me. Just because they aren't going to win the title again doesn't mean they aren't building anything.

It seems that making the Champions League places is like the title used to be now - as in, if you don't make the Champions League then the manager has got to go. It drives me potty.

I know Sunderland lost at Arsenal on Saturday but I still enjoyed their performance.

That might sound odd because they were beaten 3-0 but I still thought the Black Cats were competitive, and they were really physical too. They matched Arsenal for long spells of the game.

So, Liverpool will know what to expect when they try to become the first team to win at Stadium of Light this season, and this is going to be a very difficult game for them.

Slot needs a positive result here, for Liverpool to keep in touch with the teams above them in the race for the top four. My only concern about Sunderland is whether they can bring that same physicality again, but I still don't think Liverpool will win.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Liverpool at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 20:15 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• New signing Nilson Angulo is available for selection, Bertrand Traore will take "a few more weeks" and Noah Sadiki is fit again.

• On defeat at Arsenal and the progress his team have made generally: "To be fair I think we played the game we wanted to play. We were bold and aggressive in our high press. I think our mid-press was better compared with the home game. Our deep press was good as well but they found solutions with shots from outside the box. We had good control of the ball. The main difference was the level of threat. They were really good with that and created five or six chances while we made one and a half. It is positive as we know where we are in our journey but there's a long way to go to achieve this challenge. It's really positive, confidence is getting better and we have more solutions now to fix different problems."

• On Liverpool, Le Bris said big-name clubs in the Premier League bring an "X-factor" in individual quality which is hard to prepare for where "one player can make a difference".

• Le Bris added: "It's a good opportunity to win points once again. The confidence is high at home because we probably are a bit more front-foot. It's really important to be brave, ambitious and use this energy from the crowd to build momentum, sustain momentum."

• Sunderland are one of seven sides in Europe's major leagues to be unbeaten at home along with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Juventus and Napoli. With a smile he said: "The challenge is hard because the level in the Premier League is absolutely fantastic. So it shows so far we were really good but the next challenge is the toughest."

• Despite Sunderland's impressive start he warned success means they are also "fragile" as they cannot lose focus. He stated: "We know we built strong foundations but it's always a reset."

• In a news conference largely focused on his side's development, he said: "Probably the next stage is to keep the home form and the away form it's another challenge. We have won twice away which is not bad. We drew often as well. We created opportunities. In two or three games we had the opportunity to score away but didn't. The next stage is more efficiency."

• On Trai Hume as captain while Granit Xhaka recovers from injury: "I think Sunderland belongs to a working-class community and Trai is a good example of earning things on the pitch. He is really well balanced, versatile, intense. He's able to wake up the crowd as well. He doesn't have the same level of experience as Xhaka but he's vocal and his speeches are always good before the game."

Hear more from Le Bris on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Tuesday's Premier League news conferences

Ask BBC Sport a question about Sunderland and we'll put it to our experts

Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Any neutrals reading this may have seen Saturday's scoreline at the Emirates and thought Arsenal absolutely battered Sunderland, but anyone watching the game - Gunners fans included - would probably tell you that just wasn't the case.

The 3-0 result flattered the hosts. For the vast majority of the game, Sunderland were seriously competitive and went toe to toe with the team I consider to be the best on the planet right now.

Some rather kind officiating ensured Arsenal still had 11 men on the pitch (William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori made more than enough fouls in the first half to warrant two yellows each) and Sunderland were denied what ought to have been a penalty for a Martin Zubimendi foul on Dan Ballard. The end result probably should have been a lot closer.

That said, you can see why Arsenal are on track to win every competition this season. They really are world class all over the park.

Zubimendi's goal came at a time when Sunderland were on top, as did the second by Viktor Gyokeres. Sadly, that's the difference between my team and the very best - they don't even have to be on top of their game to eke out victories.

There was no shame in this defeat and on another day we might have got something. The sheer volume of comments from pundits and neutrals about how much of a battle Sunderland put up against a seemingly unstoppable force says it all about how well we actually performed.

My Roker Report colleague, Martin, said our performance was probably our best on the road this season, and I don't think I'd argue with that. The way we played would have been good enough to beat almost anyone else in the Premier League, just not the side who will undoubtedly win the title this season.

Onwards to Wednesday - let's give Liverpool hell.

Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report, external

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Sunderland.

Here are some of your comments:

Arsenal fans

Andrew: No nerves. Easy win. Three open-play goals. Lovely football. What will the next media narrative be? Haircuts unbefitting of champions? Havertz too strong a Scrabble word?

Richard: At the time it was needed the team and manager have answered their critics. Now is not the time to get carried away - take every game as it comes, block out the noise. Arsenal will have some more difficult days before this season is over. They are very unlikely to go from nothing since 2020 to a quadruple, but they compete on all fronts and that's something to enjoy. The team is playing how they have to, against opponents who play to avoid a battering. Lazy commentary about it being boring to watch is something to ignore. Arsenal are proving they can break down any team tactically. It's a masterclass in adaptation. Just be patient and enjoy it.

Tokunboh: Dominant victory! The first goal is the most important but Kai Havertz's spontaneity - like his first-time pass to Gabriel Jesus for the offside chance - can make a difference for Viktor Gyokeres. With 11 matches to go, being six points ahead and with just two of the current top 6 still to play, the omens look good for us.

Phill: Mikel Arteta's message has clearly reached the players and the fans. It is an enjoyable run we have started. It also shows the plan Mikel has had in mind since the summer, with his consistent talk of starters and finishers. Long may it continue.

Sunderland fans

Ginny: A positive performance despite the result. Sunderland matched Arsenal physically and were on the wrong end of numerous contentious decisions. Individual errors led to the first two goals, the second of which was very much against the run of play, and Sunderland were chasing the game at the time of the final goal. Arsenal were clinical - if Sunderland had a goal merchant like Gyokeres they may have given the Gunners a scare. Overall, lots of positive aspects to take into the next match.

Dave: We played like we could afford to lose but not lose heavily. A sensible if not exciting display where we needed to be clinical and have luck on our side to make it work. Nothing lost long-term - on to the next and concentrate on what's there to be won.

Malcolm: Harsh scoreline but defenders losing possession in our third cost us dearly. No-one stepping up into Granit Xhaka's shoes. Subs came on too late and the ref gave Brian Brobbey nowt.

David: The scoreline was a bit harsh and not a fair reflection of the game overall. If Regis le Bris can figure out how to get more bodies in and around man-mountain Brobbey it would help, but it is difficult to be too critical of a newly promoted side playing away against the impressive Premier League champions elect. Let's learn, take the positives and bounce back against the current champions under the lights on Wednesday. Haway The Lads.

Alex Howell
Football reporter

This type of game is not going to define what has already been an excellent season for Sunderland.

The Black Cats have been one of the surprise packages of the Premier League season and showed why they are being talked about as one of the sides who could qualify for Europe.

They were extremely well organised in the first half, restricting the amount of opportunities the Gunners had while offering a threat at the other end of the pitch before Zubimendi's strike.

But Arsenal were able to grind down Sunderland, with the quality options they are able to introduce from the substitutes' bench making a big difference.

Sunderland did have chances but, ultimately, the gap in quality was too big on this occasion.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures and Friday's action.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Bournemouth 1-1 Aston Villa

• Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland

• Newcastle 2-3 Brentford

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We played against a ruthless team. They were really efficient with many threats coming off the bench. We had a couple of opportunities in the second half but we didn't seize them.

"It's the beginning of our journey in the Premier League and they've built this team over many years. You can feel the quality; they are at a different level.

On missing Granit Xhaka: "It's important because of the shape and the experience. You won't have your full team all the time so you have to accept the challenge. Hopefully, we will be back soon so the team will grow together.

"We want to win the next game, whatever the opponent. We tried and the next one will be hard against Liverpool but we'll try again. We have to respect everyone because we are new in this league but we want to put pressure on ourselves."

Did you know?

• Sunderland remain winless in their last eight away Premier League games (D3 L5), conceding three goals in each of their last three games on the road.

Hear more from Le Bris and hear from Dan Ballard on BBC Sounds

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

What did you make of Sunderland's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Alex Howell
Football reporter

There's no Bukayo Saka or Martin Odegaard in the Arsenal squad. Gabriel Jesus starts up top.

Arsenal starting XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Havertz, Madueke, Trossard, Jesus

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly, Hincapie, Mosquera, White, Eze, Martinelli, Gyokeres

Regis Le Bris makes just one change to his side that beat Burnley on Monday night.

Sunderland starting XI: Roefs, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo, Hume, Le Fee, Sadiki, Talbi, Diarra, Brobbey

Subs: Ellborg, O'Nien, Cirkin, Geertruida, Rigg, Angulo, Mayenda, Mundle, Isidor

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30)

• Arsenal v Sunderland - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Bournemouth v Aston Villa - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Burnley v West Ham

• Fulham v Everton

• Wolves v Chelsea

• Newcastle v Brentford (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra with second half on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Aston Villa" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Sunderland", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds