Sunderland boss admits he was ‘surprised’ by Liverpool’s tactics | OneFootball

Sunderland resilience shines in Anfield stalemate

Liverpool’s search for rhythm under Arne Slot took another unexpected turn in a 1-1 draw with Sunderland that left both sides feeling they had missed a moment. The contest carried a sharp edge throughout, shaped by the visitors’ fearless approach and Liverpool’s inability to stitch together long passages of control. It became an evening where frustration mingled with relief, and where Sunderland’s confidence grew with every passing minute.

Liverpool struggle to rise after Talbi opener

Chemsdine Talbi’s crisp finish on 67 minutes tilted the night towards a familiar narrative for the home crowd. Liverpool, unsettled by Sunderland’s intelligent press and bold positioning, laboured to find clarity in their build up. Florian Wirtz briefly lifted the mood with a sequence that showcased why the club invested £116 million in him. He glided through two defenders and unleashed a shot that seemed destined to become his first Premier League goal.

Replays intervened. The Premier League accreditation panel determined that the attempt had veered off target before a decisive touch from Nordi Mukiele sent it past Robin Roefs. Wirtz took the decision with admirable calm. “It doesn’t matter today,” he told Sky Sports. “We drew, and our aim was to win. That’s what is important today. Unlucky.”

Photo: IMAGO

Le Bris reflects on unexpected space

Sunderland’s approach was shaped by observation as much as ambition. Regis Le Bris spoke afterwards with quiet satisfaction at how his players handled the occasion and expressed genuine surprise at the room Liverpool afforded them in midfield.

“We started well, the first half was interesting with and without the ball,” he told BeIn Sports. “Probably we didn’t believe enough that it was possible to score and we did it in the beginning of the second half.”

“I think we were even a bit surprised to have time and space to build up the play and probably they didn’t expect to be at that level.”

“We spoke about this final third and the way it was possible to disturb their back line. We expected Salah as well to come on the pitch and to change a bit the dynamics, so we are prepared.”

Stoppage time drama seals shared points

Liverpool’s late push almost unravelled at the other end. In the 94th minute, Wilson Isidor rounded Alisson and looked certain to win it for Sunderland before Federico Chiesa’s recovery run and clearance saved the hosts from defeat. The point leaves Liverpool eighth on 22 points, with Sunderland rising to sixth, a reminder of how sharply the landscape can shift when confidence flows through a side.