Liverpool vs Sunderland Review
A late own goal by Nordi Mukiele secured a 1-1 Premier League draw for Liverpool after a tough challenge from Sunderland at Anfield, marking the Reds’ first draw in any competition this season. Looking to avoid consecutive home defeats for the first time since 2012, Liverpool began the match strongly, with shots on target from Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz being saved by Robin Roefs. Cody Gakpo also played a key role, but momentum shifted towards Sunderland around the 30-minute mark when Trai Hume unleashed a powerful shot that Alisson managed to tip onto the crossbar.
The visitors kept pressing on the door until just before halftime, when Alexis Mac Allister almost put his team ahead by heading Joe Gomez’s cross against the post. This meant Liverpool went scoreless in the first half for the fourth consecutive Premier League match, something that hadn’t happened since February 2023. In response, Arne Slot brought on Mohamed Salah at the break. The hosts then enjoyed another strong period, but Sunderland remained a significant threat, with Omar Alderete narrowly missing the post with a near-post header.
Sunderland’s energetic pressing became increasingly problematic as the half progressed, playing a key role in their remarkable opening goal just over 20 minutes from time. Chemsdine Talbi capitalized on a misplaced pass from Virgil van Dijk and unleashed a powerful shot that deflected off the Liverpool captain and found the far corner, beyond Alisson’s reach. Sunderland defended superbly afterward but couldn’t maintain their lead as Liverpool equalized in the 81st minute. Curtis Jones passed to Wirtz, who skillfully maneuvered into the box and fired a shot that seemed off target but was redirected into the net by a heavy deflection off Mukiele.
Liverpool pushed forward looking for a winning goal, but their approach nearly backfired when Wilson Isidor broke away on a counterattack. However, Federico Chiesa managed to recover and block the shot on the goal line, resulting in the points being shared. Sunderland will be frustrated not to have secured all three points and their first victory at Anfield since 1983 following a strong performance, while Liverpool still has significant work to do to get back to their best.
