Match Report: Liverpool’s Anfield woes continue in draw with Sunderland | OneFootball

Liverpool Held After Late Drama At Anfield

Liverpool were forced to settle for a point in a tense Premier League meeting with Sunderland, a match that underscored both the unpredictability of this season and the resilience required from Arne Slot’s side. The afternoon carried a nervous energy throughout, sharpened by Sunderland’s confidence and Liverpool’s struggle to assert control.

Sunderland’s Confidence Shifts The Rhythm

The visitors arrived with purpose and shaped the tempo for long spells. Their early openings were not accidents, they were signals. Trai Hume came closest in the first half when his rising effort clipped the bar, with Alisson relieved to see the ball glance away. After the interval, Omar Alderete rose highest from a corner and saw his header rattle the post, further illustrating Sunderland’s growing threat.

Their breakthrough arrived after 67 minutes, sparked by Chemsdine Talbi, who struck from 25 yards. His effort clipped Virgil van Dijk and wrongfooted Alisson, finding the corner and giving Sunderland a deserved 1-0 lead. As the ball nestled into the net, the away end erupted, sensing a landmark result in a Premier League campaign where they have increasingly punched above their weight.

Slot Turns To Salah To Lift Liverpool

Arne Slot again chose to start without Mohamed Salah, keeping the Egyptian on the bench for a second straight league match. The decision matched recent tactical patterns, although Liverpool’s lack of spark prompted the manager to introduce him at half time.

Before Salah’s introduction, Liverpool had managed only isolated threats. Alex Mac Allister struck the woodwork with a curling effort in the first half, but clear chances were rare. Florian Wirtz and Federico Chiesa worked tirelessly between the lines, yet Liverpool found it difficult to prise open a Sunderland defence that grew in confidence the longer they held their lead.

Liverpool Level Through Late Deflection

Liverpool finally found relief after 81 minutes. Wirtz engineered space on the edge of the area and drove low toward goal. His strike took a heavy deflection off Nordi Mukiele and spun past the helpless goalkeeper. The own goal brought Anfield to life and shifted the momentum Liverpool had struggled to build.

There was still danger to navigate. Deep into stoppage time, Sunderland substitute Wilson Isidor surged clear and looked certain to score, only for Chiesa to sprint back and hook the ball off the line, preventing a dramatic winner.

Final Thoughts

Liverpool will view this as a point gained rather than two dropped, given the flow of the match. Sunderland’s intensity, organisation and confidence troubled the Premier League champions throughout, while Liverpool relied on moments rather than sustained dominance.