Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp has slammed Sunderland for playing with ‘nine defenders’ and called the “the most defensive team I ever saw”.
The Reds had 27 shots and 77.5% possession as goals from Divock Origi and James Milner earned a 2-0 win.
Klopp said that Sunderland striker, Victor Anichebe played “left-back” as the Black Cats used “nine defenders”.
“That’s the most difficult thing in world football to come through,” said Klopp. “But we worked for the moment.”
The victory leaves Liverpool second in the Premier League, ahead of Manchester City on goal difference and one point behind leaders Chelsea.
Asked if the game compared in any way to Liverpool’s goalless draw at Southampton last week, Klopp said: “I’m not sure I’ve ever played against a more defensive team than today.
“Man-marking against Phil Coutinho, Anichebe left full-back, I don’t know how many touches Jermain Defoe had, so that would not be nice to Southampton.
“Sunderland always play a defensive style and that is OK. We forced them to be that. But we had our moments, had our chances, we stayed cool, stayed concentrated.”