Former Manchester United defender, Phil Neville, has criticised Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for his comments about Sunderland's playing style following the Reds' 2-0 win over the Black Cats on Saturday.
It had appeared for most of the game that Klopp's side were set to make it back-to-back 0-0 draws, having struggled to break down a resilient Sunderland for much of the match.
The home side were indebtedto two late strikes from Divock Origi and a James Milner penalty however, as they eventually overcame a defensive Sunderland side to seal a vital three points.
Klopp on Sunderland: "This was the most defensive team I've seen in my life. They play defensive and that is OK. We forced them to be that."
Speaking after the game, Liverpool manager Jurgen Kloppwas quick to criticise the visitors for their negative approach to the match at Anfield.
David Moyes' side only had 22% possession for the whole match and could only muster six shots on goal, compared to Liverpool's 27.
With those statistics clearly illustrating Klopp's point, the German alsolaunched a stinging attack on Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe by questioningthe forward's contribution to the game.
The #LFC boss wants to know how many times Defoe touched the ball as he blasts Moyes' tactics https://t.co/Tu09BxitxN
But BBC punditPhil Neville has leaped to the defence of Sunderland and insisted that Klopp was wrong to criticise the Black Cats' tactics.
Speaking on BBC'sMatch of the Dayprogramme (as quoted byHITC Sport) Neville said:"I think it's a bit harsh.
"For a team like Sunderland to go to Anfield and play wide, expansive football and play out from the back [would be unwise].
"Watford did it a couple of weeks ago and were 3-0 down after 20 minutes. So I think he was being a little bit disrespectful there."
The win means that Liverpool remain a point behind leaders Chelsea, heading into the busy month of December.
With Liverpool currently top scorers in the league with 32 goals, it's unlikely many teams will go to Anfield in the futurewith the intent to attack.
And although Klopp may not like the negative tactics utilised by opposing teams, he may well have to accept this style as the norm as his team continue to push for their first ever Premier League title.
FULL-TIME Liverpool 2-0 Sunderland. Divock Origi and James Milner score as the Reds move to the top of the #PL #LIVSUN pic.twitter.com/gb3CvhS5kx