Image source: Liverpool fc
The Reds expected to build on their weekend win at West Ham, but a stubborn Sunderland side arrived at Anfield with no interest in playing the role of visitors who simply survive. The result was a tense 1-1 draw filled with woodwork rattles, last ditch blocks and two goals that owed a lot to deflections. It was a night when Liverpool dominated long spells, created enough to win, yet still needed a late moment of magic from Florian Wirtz to avoid a home defeat.
A Night Set Up for a Response
Arne Slot made only one tweak to the weekend lineup. Andy Robertson replaced Milos Kerkez, keeping the side familiar and balanced after recent good form. Anfield was cold and the pitch crisp, yet the crowd felt ready for a routine home win.
Sunderland had other ideas. From the first few minutes, the visitors pressed without fear and took every opportunity to get the ball forward. Liverpool had more possession, but Sunderland were not content to sit back and wait for trouble.
First Half: Woodwork Hit Twice and Chances Spurned
Liverpool’s early attempts came from range. Dominik Szoboszlai stung the hands of Robin Roefs with a strike that looked promising but rose late. Sunderland countered with purpose, and Omar Alderete forced Alisson into a pair of simple saves that hinted at what was coming.
The first real moment that lifted the crowd came in the 23rd minute. Wirtz, sharp and quick across the top of the box, got a lucky bounce and was suddenly through one on one. He tried to slide the ball past Roefs, but the Sunderland keeper stuck out a boot and diverted it into the side netting. It felt like the kind of miss that can twist the rhythm of a game.
That warning proved real. Sunderland grew in confidence and created a moment that had the whole stadium gasping. Trai Hume unleashed a clean strike from about 20 yards. Alisson reacted well but needed the slightest touch to push it onto the crossbar. It was a reminder that even with most of the possession, Liverpool were always one loose moment away from falling behind.
Liverpool nearly broke through just before halftime when Szoboszlai curled inside from the left and fired a low shot that Roefs punched upward. From the corner that followed, Sunderland cleared only halfway. Joe Gomez recycled the ball and Alexis Mac Allister met it with a downward header that bounced off the outside of the post. Another near miss. Another groan around Anfield.
The first half ended scoreless but far from uneventful. The woodwork had been struck twice. A one on one wasted. Threats from both sides. The game simply needed a goal to burst open.
Second Half: Salah Enters and Sunderland Strike First
Mohamed Salah entered at the break, replacing Cody Gakpo, and immediately the tempo picked up. Liverpool pushed with more sharpness, but Sunderland defended with bodies everywhere. Shots from Salah and Wirtz never reached Roefs because of blue shirts throwing themselves in the way.
Then came another Sunderland warning. Just after the hour mark, Alderete met a corner at the near post and flicked a header that beat Alisson but hit the outside of the post. A few millimeters inside and Liverpool would have been trailing.
Liverpool did not take the signal. Sunderland punished them four minutes later. Chemsdine Talbi picked up the ball about 20 yards from goal and took a speculative shot. It looked manageable until the ball clipped Virgil van Dijk. That touch wrong footed Alisson and dropped the ball into the corner. Sunderland celebrated in front of their small traveling crowd. Anfield sank into an uncomfortable hush.
Trailing late at home is something supporters have seen less often over the years, but the tension felt familiar. Liverpool needed a spark and the clock was running out.
The Equaliser: Wirtz Delivers When It Matters Most
Curtis Jones, who had replaced Joe Gomez earlier, delivered that spark. With nine minutes of normal time left, he battled hard to win the ball near the box. Instead of forcing a pass, he picked out Wirtz with a simple but clever touch.
Wirtz still had work to do. He shifted the ball from right to left inside a crowded penalty area, created half a yard of space and struck with his left foot. The shot took a touch off Nordi Mukiele and floated into the top corner.
Anfield came alive. Liverpool had been pushing and pushing without reward. Finally they were level and had momentum. Wirtz, who had created problems all night, delivered exactly what Slot needed from him.
Final Minutes: Chaos, Corners and a Heart-Stopping Block
After scoring, Liverpool threw everything forward. Corner after corner curled into the box. Bodies piled into the six yard area. Sunderland hung on with every bit of grit they had brought with them.
The most dramatic moment came not from a Liverpool attack but a Sunderland break. In stoppage time, Wilson Isidor slipped through on the counter, rounded Alisson and sent the ball toward the empty goal. It looked certain to cross the line.
Then Federico Chiesa arrived from nowhere to block it. A sliding stop that saved the match. The entire Liverpool bench exhaled as if a goal had been scored at the other end. Seconds later, the referee blew the whistle. Liverpool had to settle for a draw.
What This Result Means
The frustration was clear. Liverpool created enough to win, hit the woodwork twice and forced several big saves. Sunderland were brave, organized and full of belief, and they earned their point through a mix of discipline and luck.
For Liverpool, this match showed both quality and vulnerability. Wirtz looked like the most dangerous player on the pitch, Szoboszlai created constantly and Salah, even without scoring, lifted the team’s urgency. But the Reds allowed too many clear chances at the other end and struggled to turn long spells of dominance into goals.
This draw does not derail anything, but it adds pressure ahead of the next fixture. Dropped points at home often matter more later in the season.
Final Thoughts
Football matches like this stay with you. They come with tension, missed chances and that familiar feeling of wanting just one more minute to find a winner. Liverpool pushed until the last second but could not find it. Sunderland deserved credit for standing firm.
In the end, a night that could have swung either way finished level. A deflected goal at one end, a deflected goal at the other. A dramatic block on the line to close the show. Plenty to talk about. And plenty for Liverpool to learn before the next whistle blows.
🔴Find the Latest News on Player Ratings | Transfers | Prematch | Postmatch
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s cheer Liverpool on to success in the upcoming match. Your thoughts are always welcome in the comments section. For further insights, you may explore the official Liverpool FC website by clicking here.
YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com