Substitute Divock Origi and James Milner both scored as Liverpool beat Sunderland 2-0 at Anfield, but the win may come at a price with a potentially serious injury to star Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho.
Liverpool dominated possession without finding a way past Sunderland's stubborn defence, spurning a host of chances until Origi, curled in his first league goal of the season in the 75th minute.
Milner wrapped up the points from the penalty spot in the 91st minute, sending Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford the wrong way after Sadio Mane was brought down in the box by Didier Ndong.
However the injury sustained by Coutinho could be a bitter pill for Liverpool to swallow.
The in-form playmaker fell to the turf in significant discomfort after Sunderland midfielder Didier Ibrahim Ndong caught him as he cleared the ball in the 34th minute.
(Getty Images)
"It is an ankle injury but we can't say any more until we see a scan," Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp told reporters.
"Pain gets better, in the first moment it was very painful, but already when I saw him at halftime he said it was much better. We have to wait
"I'm quite an optimistic guy, so I hope he can train tomorrow."
Coutinho has been one of the key players in Liverpool's rise up the table having scored five goals and contributed five assists this season.
Reuters