Second half
Trai Hume’s driven shot over the bar five minutes after the restart was the first opening of note once the action resumed.
Wirtz was again involved in Liverpool’s forward play, seeing a low shot blocked on the edge of the box following a spell of possession.
The two teams then traded chances, with Mukiele drilling wide before Salah had a chance blocked after a clever cutback from Hugo Ekitike.
It was a corner that led to the breakthrough in the game via the head of Van Dijk just after the hour mark.
Liverpool’s captain jumped highest at a Salah delivery to glance the ball home, with Habib Diarra attempting to clear away from underneath the crossbar.
The defender’s efforts fell short, though, sparking celebrations for the travelling supporters.
Shortly after, the Reds were forced into their first change of the evening, with Endo replaced by Gomez due to an injury.
Ekitike then lifted a chance over the bar from a tight angle in an attempt to double the lead, while Enzo Le Fee saw a header fly over the bar.
The Reds No.22 again sent an opportunity the wrong side of the post, directing a header wide from an Andy Robertson delivery from the left wing.
Substitute Curtis Jones also flashed a dipping shot over the frame of the goal in the closing stages, with Liverpool driving on the break after Sunderland committed bodies forward.
Deep into added time, Salah again threatened, rifling a volley inches wide of the far post from inside the area after a clever pass from Jones.
It was as near as either side would come to adding again to the scoreline, however, with Van Dijk’s header proving to be the decisive strike.