Liverpool's troubling run of form persisted at Anfield on Wednesday night as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sunderland, extending a period of deep frustration for manager Arne Slot and the club's supporters.
Wirtz's Moment of Frustration
The match, which took place on Wednesday, 4 December 2025, saw the Reds manage just two victories in their last nine outings. After a goalless and sluggish first half, the home side fell behind when Chemsdine Talbi scored for Sunderland after 66 minutes.
Hope arrived in the 80th minute when summer signing Florian Wirtz saw his shot deflect off Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele and into the net. The German international celebrated what he believed was his maiden Liverpool goal, only for the Premier League's goal accreditation panel to later rule it an own goal.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, Wirtz was informed live on air that the strike would not be credited to him. His on-camera reaction, a deep breath followed by a disappointed "Yeah," spoke volumes. He later adopted a team-focused stance, stating, "Doesn't matter today. We drew, we wanted to win, so that's what counts today so yeah, unlucky."
Carragher's Scathing Analysis
The nature of Sunderland's opener drew sharp criticism from Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who singled out captain Virgil van Dijk during his post-match analysis. Carragher, who made 737 appearances for the club, pinpointed the Dutch defender's role in the goal.
"Virgil van Dijk turns his back. That goal sums up Liverpool in this game," Carragher said. "The performance was really, really worrying. It feels like a step back. They didn't look like scoring. They were lacking zip, energy, pace and power. It's really worrying."
Carragher had been equally critical at half-time, describing the team as "sleepwalking through the game" and noting that "everything feels so slow."
Salah's Future Under Spotlight
Further intrigue surrounded the selection of Mohamed Salah, who was benched for the second consecutive league match. The Egyptian forward was introduced at half-time, a decision that prompted former Reds midfielder Jamie Redknapp to speculate about the player's future.
"It does feel like something has to give. There is no way that Mohamed Salah is going to be content with being a bit-part player in this team," Redknapp stated. "Whether it is in the summer or January, I think he has earned the right to move on if things don't go his way. I can only see that outcome."
Redknapp added that Salah needs "confidence and love from a manager" and suggested the situation "could come to a head at some point." The draw leaves Arne Slot with mounting pressure to address a clear dip in momentum and performance as Liverpool's season continues to stutter.
