Liverpool rescued by late own goal as Sunderland earn point at Anfield | OneFootball

Liverpool were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield, their first stalemate of the season, after a late own goal from Nordi Mukiele rescued a point from a stern challenge by the newly-promoted Black Cats.

The hosts started strongly, with early efforts from Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz kept out by Robin Roefs, while Cody Gakpo impressed with his link-up play.

However, the visitors gradually grew into the game. Trai Hume’s thunderous strike rattled the crossbar in the first half, and Omar Alderete narrowly missed with a header shortly after the interval.

Liverpool’s only other first-half chance came from Alexis Mac Allister, who glanced Joe Gomez’s cross against the post, meaning the Reds went into the break without scoring in a Premier League first half for the fourth consecutive game.

Mohamed Salah was introduced at half-time to spark the attack, but it was Regis Le Bris' side who struck first. In the 67th minute, Chemsdine Talbi pounced on a loose pass from Virgil van Dijk and drilled a 25-yard shot past Alisson, handing the visitors a deserved lead.

The Moroccan forward, who had already scored the winner against Chelsea this season, continued his excellent start to the campaign.

The Reds responded and were fortunate to equalise in the 81st minute. Curtis Jones slid a pass to Wirtz, whose low shot looked off target but deflected off Mukiele and into the net.

Arne Slot's side pressed for a late winner, but it were the visitors, who were the closest to take the three points, when Wilson Isidor racing through in stoppage time after a perfect pass from goalkeeper Robin Roefs, only for Federico Chiesa to make a crucial block on the line.

The draw leaves Liverpool in eighth, while Sunderland move up to sixth, level on points with fifth-placed Crystal Palace as they continue to impress in their return to the Premier League.