Liverpool were forced to rely on a late slice of luck to avoid a second consecutive Anfield defeat, as Sunderland impressed with a determined display that threatened to heap pressure on head coach Arne Slot. A deflected Florian Wirtz shot in the 81st minute, which came off Nordi Mukiele, rescued a 1–1 draw for the Reds in a game that Sunderland largely dominated.

Sunderland had taken a deserved lead in the 67th minute when Chemsdine Talbi unleashed a 25-yard strike that deflected off Virgil van Dijk and eluded goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Earlier, the visitors had already rattled the woodwork twice, with Trai Hume’s first-half shot striking the bar and Omar Alderete heading against the post shortly after the interval.

Slot’s Struggling Side Shows Little Spark

Once again, Slot opted to leave Mohamed Salah on the bench following Sunday’s Premier League win at West Ham United, hoping to inject fresh energy at the start of the second half. Even the Egyptian forward could not revive Liverpool’s lifeless performance until the moment of fortune struck late.

Other attacking threats were sparse. Alex Mac Allister had tested Sunderland’s resilience with a shot that hit the woodwork in the first half, while Alexander Isak offered little threat throughout. Only substitute Federico Chiesa managed to provide defensive relief in stoppage time, clearing Wilson Isidor’s late breakaway effort off the line.

Liverpool, champions just a season ago, were back to displaying a worrying level of mediocrity at home. After Sunday’s win had offered hope that the team could arrest a slump that saw nine defeats in 12 games, Anfield was once again witness to a side lacking cohesion and ideas.

Sunderland Deserve Praise for Brave Display

Sunderland, under manager Regis Le Bris, can take immense credit for a performance full of energy and tactical discipline. The Black Cats pressed high from the outset, disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm and showing composure on the ball. With Granit Xhaka providing experience and calm in midfield, Sunderland created multiple chances and showed no fear against the Premier League champions.

The team were moments away from a dramatic victory in stoppage time when substitute Wilson Isidor raced clear, only for Chiesa to make a crucial goal-line clearance. Despite the late Liverpool equaliser, Sunderland left Anfield with their heads held high, reinforcing their credentials as a rising Premier League side currently sitting sixth with 23 points.

Player Highlights

• Granit Xhaka: Commanding midfield presence and control — Player of the Match with an average rating of 7.64.
• Florian Wirtz: Dangerous in attack, producing Liverpool’s late goal through a deflected shot.
• Federico Chiesa: Key defensive intervention in stoppage time.
• Alisson Becker: Pulled off early saves but ultimately could not prevent deflected goal.

Liverpool’s defenders, including Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, struggled against Sunderland’s pace and movement, while their attackers failed to capitalize on possession.

What’s Next for Both Clubs?

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday against Leeds United at 17:30 GMT before traveling to Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday. Sunderland head back to the north-west for a tough test against Manchester City at 15:00 GMT.

This result leaves Liverpool reflecting on a concerning pattern of home vulnerability, while Sunderland’s spirited display adds to growing optimism around the club’s progress in their first season back in the Premier League.