5 out of 55

Coming in to today's match, Sunderland had only won 4 out of the previous 54 matches against Liverpool. In the build up to the game it was expected that Sunderland would play a defensive minded match. Without Sessegnon, our main offensive catalyst, and also without Cattermole, our defensive force in the midfield, it was expected that Sunderland may struggle to get going in the match.

The first half went on as many expected it would. Lots of possession for Liverpool with neither team really threatening to score. It was in the second half when Sunderland looked to be settled in and began to take it to Liverpool. After a few spells of good possession Frazier Campbell's shot from outside the area looked headed to the bottom right corner but struck the post. The ball then hit off the head of Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina and fell to the foot of the crashing Nicklas Bendtner who tucked the ball nicely in for the goal.

Liverpool enjoyed plenty of possession after the goal but never looked too dangerous to score. They had a decent chance in the 2nd minute of stoppage time where the ball was ping ponging around in the box but was eventually cleared and Sunderland emerged with a 1-0 home victory.

Here are my initial match thoughts...

• John O'Shea and Michael Turner are turning in to quite the defensive pair in the middle of the pitch. They dominated the Liverpool forwards and kept the Liverpool forwards far from goal for most of the match.
• Wayne Bridge filled in nicely for Kieran Richarson. He looked rusty in a few moments but for the most part he was in good positions to defend well.
• Jack Colback had a good match in the center of the pitch. I thought he was sloppy in possession a few times but he filled in for Cattermole really well.
• McLean looked dangerous a few times but I also thought he gave away possession too easily while we were trying to drain the clock. His youth showed there, but his attacking runs down the flank were dangerous.
• Bendtner and Campbell linked up well today, held up possession, and eventually combined for the game winner. I think we'll be just fine up top without Sessegnon.

All in all it was an excellent team performance. Martin O'Neill was at his managerial best as he shifted the lineup around, gave his players a job, trusted them to do it, and led the lads to another premier league win. All in all it's an excellent way to prepare the team for the FA Cup match at Everton next week.

Ha'way the Lads!