Overview
- Liverpool drew 1-1 at Anfield after Chemsdine Talbi punished a Virgil van Dijk giveaway, with the hosts levelling when Florian Wirtz’s shot deflected in off Nordi Mukiele for an own goal and Federico Chiesa cleared off the line in stoppage time.
- The result leaves Arne Slot’s side in eighth place and 11 points behind leaders Arsenal after 14 games, extending a run of just four wins in their last 14 matches in all competitions.
- Mohamed Salah was left out of the starting XI for a second consecutive league match, with Slot saying it was normal for the forward to be unhappy and praising his professionalism; Salah entered at half-time without changing the outcome.
- Record signings Alexander Isak (£125m) and Florian Wirtz (£116m) have yet to ignite, combining for only two goals so far, and Isak failed to register a shot on target against Sunderland.
- Van Dijk’s recent mistakes, including his role in Sunderland’s goal and a penalty conceded against PSV, have intensified focus on Liverpool’s fragile back line as they head to Leeds next, with promoted Sunderland continuing to impress under Regis Le Bris.