Player Ratings: Florian Wirtz shines as Liverpool clinch a draw against Sunderland | OneFootball

Liverpool 1 – 1 Sunderland – Premier League Player Ratings

The Premier League’s quick turnaround saw the Reds host newly promoted Sunderland, a team that has been tremendous since their return to the English top tier.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 7.0

The giant Brazilian stopper was largely untested in the first half as the game plodded through its uninspiring moments.

After the restart, the Reds’ world-class keeper was left helpless for the opening goal as the deflected effort arced into the far corner.

Joe Gomez – 6.0

The England fullback was steady and assured in the opening half as he looked to balance defensive and offensive duties.

After the break, the veteran defender was withdrawn after another fine showing at full back.

Andy Robertson – 6.0

The Scotland international was limited in his influence as the game stuttered to half-time.

After the intermission, the experienced full-back was again unable to offer too much upfield as Gakpo failed to link with his overlapping full-back.

Subbed – 86

Ibrahima Konaté – 6.0

The French international defender was comfortable in the first half, as most of it saw him recycling play.

In the second period, the former RB Leipzig man was a little more robust and looked to ensure his team stayed in the game.

Virgil van Dijk – 6.0

The captain and leader of this team were untested and fairly effective in keeping a solid structure.

After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was guilty of turning his back as the opening goal struck him before finding the far corner.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0

The Hungarian skipper was combative and confident, yet somewhat positionless on the right. A striking shot was well saved from distance.

When the match resumed, the former RB Leipzig man pushed and looked to stay instrumental in his delivery.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0

The Dutch midfielder was unable to progress from deep and through the lines as he struggled to find the right pass from deep.

After the half-time break, the former Ajax prodigy was a little more forthright and held his position well.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0

The Argentina international was lacking in the influence stakes as the game passed him by. A firm header struck the post late in the half.

After the break, the 2023 summer signing was more composed and tried to knit things together more quickly.

Subbed – 74 mins

Florian Wirtz – 7.0

The German attacker was trying his best to create, yet the slow burn was infectious.

In the second half, the world-class technician was superb in finding the equaliser, own goal or not.

Man of the match

Alexander Isak – 5.0

The Sweden attacker was limited and anonymous in the opening half.

After the break, the former Newcastle striker was unable to take the opportunity before leaving the pitch.

Subbed – 86 mins

Cody Gakpo – 5.0

The Dutch wide man was ineffective before leaving the field at halftime.

Subbed – 46 mins

Substitutions;

Mohamed Salah – 6.0 (on 46)

Came on to add that world-class touch.

Hugo Ekitike – 6.0 (on 74)

Came on to stretch the play.

Curtis Jones – 6.0 (on 65)

Came on to relieve Gomez

Federico Chiesa – 7.0 (on 86)

Came on to add fire and a superb saving challenge.

Milos Kerkez – 6.0 (on 86)

Came on to add width.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 6.0

The Dutch head coach was keen to pick a nearly unchanged side as he looked for consistency after victory.

The substitutions were again reactionary rather than a case of consolidation of a fine performance.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 3 – 1 Sunderland