Divock Origi inspires Liverpool win, but Philippe Coutinho injury darkens mood

Divock Origi came off the bench to inspire Liverpool to a 2-0 Premier League win over Sunderland at Anfield.

On a frustrating afternoon, Origi sent relief coursing around Anfield when he curled in a superb effort from the left edge of the box with 15 minutes remaining.

The Belgian then fed Sadio Mane who was clumsily brought down inside the box by Didier Ndong - James Milner despatched the penalty coolly.

However the win was overshadowed by what looked serious ankle injury to star man Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian was stretched off after a challenge with Ndong in the first half.

Nonetheless, Liverpool return to the top at least for a couple of hours - Chelsea will disaplace them if they beat Tottenham in the late Premier League game - and David Moyes' terrible record at Anfield continues.

How long will Coutinho be out for? It was a good win for Liverpool, but at what cost? With five goals and five assist through 12 league games, Coutinho has been Liverpool’s standout player this season. This injury, which saw him leave the field on a stretcher with his right leg in a splint and looks like it could rule him out for some time, is terrible news for their title ambitions. Liverpool have struggled to break down sides who sit back and get men behind the ball, and without Coutinho’s creativity they are likely to find it even harder.

Divock Origi (Liverpool). When his team really needed a goal and looked to be running out of ideas, he came up clutch. Pickford perhaps could have done better but probably wasn't expecting the shot, which curled delightfully into the corner and underlined what the Belgian is capable of. Ultimately he was the difference between the two sides and with Daniel Sturridge also injured at the moment, this could be Origi’s chance.

17’ – CHANCE! Pienaar latches onto a long ball from Jones, with the Liverpool defence caught asleep, but Karius is quickly off his line to close down the angle and save.

34’ – INJURY. Coutinho, having clashed feet with Ndong, leaves the field on a stretcher with his right leg in a splint. Origi comes on in his place.

37’ – CHANCE! Lovren meets a Henderson free-kick with a diving header at the back post but gets too much on it and sends his header wide.

75’ – GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Sunderland. Origi picks up the ball on the left edge of area and after beating Watmore curls a shot into the far corner from a tight angle.

90’ - PENALTY! Mane carries the ball half the length of the field, having Danayer pulling at him all the way, then Ndong comes across and wipes him out.

90+1' - GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Sunderland. Milner converts the penalty, sending Pickford the wrong way.

Liverpool: Karius 7, Clyne 7, Matip 6, Lovren 7, Milner 6, Henderson 6, Can 7, Wijnaldum 6, Mane 6, Coutinho 6, Firmino 6. Subs: Origi 7, Woodburn 6.

Sunderland: Pickford 7, Jones 6, O’Shea 6, Kone 7, Van Aanholt 6, Pienaar 6, Ndong 7, Denayer 6, Watmore 5, Anichebe 5, Defoe 6. Subs: Gooch 5, Januzaj 5.

Origi has scored at least once in the last three league matches in which he played at least 45 minutes.

Sunderland have never won at Anfield in the Premier League.

Moyes is now winless in 14 visits to Anfield As a manager.

Milner has scored against Sunderland for five different teams.