A fortuitous, late deflected strike from Florian Wirtz spared Liverpool from a damaging home defeat, as the Premier League champions were held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited Sunderland at Anfield.
Sunderland's Historic Chance Slips Away
The visitors, riding a wave of good form, arrived at Anfield above the reigning champions in the table and played with a confidence that belied their newly-promoted status. They were rewarded for a high-tempo performance when Chemsdine Talbi opened the scoring in the 66th minute. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk miscontrolled the ball outside his area, and his scuffed clearance fell to Enzo Le Fée, who found Talbi. The Sunderland man's shot took a decisive deflection off Van Dijk and looped beyond Alisson.
It was a goal that threatened to give Sunderland their first win at Anfield since 1983. They had come close earlier, with Trai Hume striking the crossbar and Omar Alderete hitting the post, showcasing their threat against a disjointed Liverpool side.
Liverpool's Struggles and Salah's Benching
Liverpool's performance was characterised by carelessness and a lack of attacking cohesion. Manager Arne Slot made the bold decision to leave star forward Mohamed Salah on the bench for a second successive Premier League game, a first in the Egyptian's phenomenal Anfield career. Salah was introduced at half-time for the anonymous Cody Gakpo, but even his presence could not immediately spark the hosts into life.
The Reds created only sporadic chances. Alexis Mac Allister saw a header hit the post, while Wirtz was denied by Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs in a one-on-one during a first half where the visitors were largely superior.
Wirtz's Moment of Fortune
With time running out, Liverpool finally found a response. A lapse in concentration from goalscorer Talbi allowed substitute Curtis Jones to steal possession. The ball found its way to Florian Wirtz inside the box, and the German international weaved past two defenders before seeing his shot deflect off Sunderland's Nordi Mukiele and past a wrong-footed Roefs in the 81st minute.
Sunderland had one final chance to snatch a famous victory in stoppage time, but Wilson Isidor was denied by a superb goalline clearance from Liverpool striker Federico Chiesa, ensuring the points were shared.
Consequences for the Title Race
The draw means Liverpool have now fallen behind in 11 of their last 14 matches, a concerning trend for Slot. While the point prevents a tenth defeat in that run, the performance will raise serious questions about the team's consistency and the integration of their big-money summer signings. For Sunderland, it represents a missed opportunity but also a clear statement of their Premier League credentials under Régis Le Bris.
