Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland: Reds leave it late to rescue point against Black Cats | OneFootball

Liverpool were looking to make it back to back Premier League wins for the first time since September, as Sunderland ventured to Anfield for the 20:15 kick-off.

The Black Cats went a goal to the good in the 67th minute thanks to a strike from Chemsdine Talbi, only to be pegged back by a deflected Florian Wirtz effort, which went down as a Nordi Mukiele own goal, nine minutes from time. The visitors then braced for jubilation, as Wilson Isidor rounded Alisson in the 94th minute, only to find Federico Chiesa blocking his path.

The 1-1 draw means both sides take a share of the spoils, with Sunderland holding on to sixth place, one point ahead of the Reds in the Premier League table.

As it happened

Despite renewed Liverpool optimism, having claimed all three points last time out at West Ham, the first half at Anfield followed a script many could have predicted. The champions, whose only change to the starting line-up saw Andrew Robertson replace Milos Kerkez, lacked confidence and were predominantly limited to speculative efforts from range.

The visitors, this season’s surprise story, were determined, disciplined and demonstrated why they have enjoyed such a fruitful return thus far in the campaign.

They in fact started the brighter, with an early, energetic Mukiele interception illustrating how they had not travelled to Merseyside to simply settle for a draw.

The two sides continued to exchange light jabs throughout the half. Alexander Isak blazed over just before the 20 minute mark, much to the delight of the travelling fans. Wirtz then battled well to stab the ball towards goal, only for Robin Roefs to smother it behind for the Black Cats.

Trai Hume then latched on to a Dominik Szoboszlai misplaced pass, ensuring Liverpool stopper Alisson was alert by stinging his palms from 25 yards.

Alexis Mac Allister saw his headed effort strike the post on the stroke of half time, as neither side could find an opener, meaning they headed for the tunnel all square at 0-0.

Mohamed Salah replaced Cody Gakpo at the break, seemingly providing increased control and balance for Arne Slot’s men.

However, it was an away goal that broke the deadlock on 67 minutes. Enzo Le Fée latched on to a loose Virgil van Dijk pass, sliding calmly through to Talbi, whose deflected 25 yard strike beat Alisson to send the travelling support into raptures.

Anxiety hastily flooded around Anfield, as the reality of yet another home defeat loomed large. However, up stepped local lad Curtis Jones to pounce on a loose Talbi first touch and slide through to Wirtz. In that 81st minute, the German did not look like a player yet to score their first Premier League goal, as he patiently glided past two Sunderland defenders in the penalty area before letting a shot fly.

The ball, which was heading wide, struck Black Cat’s defender Mukiele, leaving Roefs with no chance and sending the near 60,000 home fans into delirium.

Time was not up though, and deep into additional time Roefs arrowed an inspired pass through to substitute Isidor. Sunderland’s top scorer coolly rounded Alisson only to be denied by fellow sub Chiesa who cleared off the line, ending proceedings at 1-1.

Sunderland will return to the north east content with a point, albeit somewhat aggrieved not to be taking all three from Anfield for the first time since 1983. As for the champions, they showed little to offer inspiration in front of their home faithful, and will be grateful to have avoided defeat.

The line-ups