Liverpool’s struggles under Arne Slot continued as a late deflected equaliser spared the Premier League champions from another damaging home defeat, with Sunderland leaving Anfield frustrated not to have claimed all three points after an inspired and disciplined performance.
On a tense Wednesday night, Liverpool looked flat, short of ideas and alarmingly vulnerable at the back, while Michael Beale’s Sunderland played with confidence and organisation, creating the better chances and exposing the fragility of a side still searching for rhythm and belief after a dismal run of results.
The visitors grew into the game quickly, unsettling Liverpool with their energy and directness. Their first major warning came midway through the opening half when Trai Hume’s rising effort clipped the top of the crossbar after Alisson Becker reacted late. It set the tone for a half in which Sunderland were the more dangerous side, even as Alex Mac Allister struck the post with Liverpool’s only moment of real threat before the break.
Slot again made headlines before kick-off by benching Mohamed Salah for a second consecutive Premier League match, a decision that surprised many given Liverpool’s need for attacking impetus. He introduced the Egyptian at half-time, but even Salah’s arrival failed to spark his side into life against a well-organised Sunderland unit.
Sunderland’s breakthrough came after 67 minutes and was richly deserved. Chemsdine Talbi, finding space 25 yards out, unleashed a strike that took a wicked deflection off Virgil van Dijk, wrong-footing Alisson and flying into the net. The away end erupted, while the home crowd’s frustration grew louder as Liverpool’s response remained sluggish.
The setback did little to rouse the champions. Alexander Isak, a shadow of the dominant striker Liverpool hoped he would become, drifted through the match without influence. Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch offered effort but little incision, while Florian Wirtz – still adapting to the Premier League – struggled for space until Liverpool’s fortunate equaliser.
That leveller arrived with nine minutes left, coming not from a moment of brilliance but from Sunderland’s misfortune. Wirtz’s speculative effort ricocheted off Nordi Mukiele and wrong-footed Robin Roefs, continuing Liverpool’s reliance on deflections and opposition errors during this difficult period. Anfield let out a relieved roar, but few were fooled – this was a point rescued, not two dropped.
Sunderland, however, almost snatched victory at the death. Substitute Wilson Isidor raced through on goal in stoppage time and seemed certain to win it, only for substitute Federico Chiesa to sprint back and hook the ball off the line in a remarkable last-ditch intervention. It was the night’s defining moment of quality and desire, yet it came from a Liverpool player desperately patching over deeper issues.
For Arne Slot, the draw does little to ease the increasing scrutiny. A run of nine defeats in 12 games had sent Liverpool spiralling, and although a weekend win at West Ham had offered hope of a turning point, this performance raised the same old concerns. The champions lacked control, urgency and confidence, and their defensive lapses continue to undermine any progress made in attack.
Sunderland, meanwhile, leave with pride and frustration in equal measure. Their organisation, bravery and attacking threat suggested a side on the rise, capable of challenging stronger teams and executing a clear plan. Had Isidor converted his late chance, it would have been a famous and fully deserved victory.
Instead, Liverpool escaped with a point – and with it, a reminder of how far they have fallen from last season’s relentless, ruthless champions. The late deflection may have spared Slot a fresh wave of criticism, but the deeper problems were on display once again.
