After frustrating Liverpool for the majority of the game, it was ultimately a disappointing result for the Black Cats to finish the game with a narrow 1-0 defeat, but it was the injury problems that may have annoyed Sam Allardyce more, as his club struggles for luck during this difficult period.
With a crunch game against Remi Garde's Aston Villa side next up for Sunderland, a match that the club can not afford to lose, Allardyce could have only, Wes Brown or, "Old Wes" as Big Sam called him, as a centre-back option after injuries to both Sebastian Coates and Jack Rodwell were suffered last night.
Defensive woes
Both Rodwell and Coates were forced to limp off last night, and are set to face late fitness tests ahead of the upcoming relegation battle this weekend, adding to Allardyce's untimely headaches. It seems that the sheer amount of games during this festive period has caught up with his players, an issue that arises every year with Premier League squads - "at this time of year, which is a big worry" for Sunderland.
With Brown returning to the starting XI last night, it seems like he will be keeping his position as Allardyce has no other options, but the Sunderland boss felt the experienced defender was "fantastic" and stated his importance to the side.
Allardyce is hopeful that club-captain, John O'Shea will be able to return from his injury in time for the weekend as he only missed the game against Liverpool with a minor calf-injury, but it's unlikely he would be at full fitness.
The January transfer window couldn't come at a better time for the Black Cats and Allardyce will now be desperate to recruit as soon as possible, and defensive cover will likely now be a priority of his during the market.
Another frustrating defeat
Even though the injury news has become a major concern for Sunderland, suffering their fifth straight defeat at the hands of Jürgen Klopp's travelling Reds - which sees them seven points adrift from safety is likely to be an even bigger one.
The performance showed plenty of fight and character, particularly in the first-half, but Christian Benteke's early second-half goal seemed to knock the wind out of their sails, with Sunderland failing to recover.
Allardyce believes there was an element of luck to the goal that proved to be the only difference between the sides, in a game he felt his team were unlucky to lose - but they were unable to find any answers to get themselves on the scoresheet and test Liverpool until the dying minutes.
Miscontrol from Adam Lallana ended up playing the ball into Benteke's path for him to break the deadlock, but "even he mis-hit it", and the fortunate bounce allowed Benteke to take his opportunity with a clinical touch.
It was never going to be an easy test for Sunderland, but they struggled to maintain their impressive first-half showing and deliver for the full 90 minutes, something they will be desperate to put right in the must-win game against fellow strugglers Aston Villa.