Liverpool were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield, with substitute Federico Chiesa making a crucial goalline clearance in stoppage time to prevent a damaging defeat. The Premier League champions, who have now won just four of their last 14 games, struggled to break down a resolute Sunderland side and required an own goal from Nordi Mukiele to salvage a point.
Sunderland took the lead in the 71st minute through Chemsdine Talbi, whose deflected shot beat Alisson after a defensive error from Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool captain miscontrolled a clearance, allowing Enzo Le Fée to set up Talbi for the opener. It was the 11th time in 14 games that Liverpool had conceded first, and the home crowd grew restless as their team laboured to create chances.
Liverpool equalised in the 81st minute when Florian Wirtz's shot was turned into his own net by Mukiele. The hosts pushed for a winner but were almost caught out in the 94th minute when Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs picked out Wilson Isidor with a long pass. Isidor rounded Alisson, only for Chiesa to sprint back and clear off the line, preserving a point for Arne Slot's side.
Slot admitted his team were fortunate to avoid defeat. 'In the final minutes I thought we were close to making it 2-1, but then from a set piece their goalkeeper gets the ball and their player is completely free,' he said. 'The good thing is Fede kept sprinting back and made a good block. The draw was the minimum we deserved.' Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris felt his side should have taken more from the game, saying, 'The players are discovering a new league. It is our debut and I think we are learning fast.'
Liverpool remain in the top half of the table but have now won only one of their last six home games. They face a crucial run of fixtures as they look to revive their title defence.
