Liverpool's inconsistent Premier League form continued on Wednesday night as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sunderland at Anfield. The visitors took a surprise lead in the second half before a deflected effort secured a point for Arne Slot's side.
Anfield Stalemate Sees Reds Battle Back
The match on 3rd December 2025 saw a determined Sunderland side take the game to their hosts. After a goalless first half, the deadlock was broken when Chemsdine Talbi's strike took a deflection off Virgil van Dijk to beat Alisson Becker. Liverpool responded with pressure, and their equaliser came in fortuitous fashion. Florian Wirtz's shot cannoned off Sunderland's Nordi Mukiele and into the net, denying the German his first goal for the club.
The result leaves Liverpool in the top half of the table, now just two points adrift of the Champions League places. However, the performance raised more questions than answers for manager Arne Slot.
Liverpool Player Ratings: Who Stepped Up?
Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10) was a driving force in midfield. Despite some early sloppiness, he tested the goalkeeper from range and grew into the game, especially after moving centrally. Florian Wirtz (7/10) was lively, pressing effectively and involved in the crucial equaliser. Substitute Curtis Jones (7/10) also made a positive impact, winning the ball in the build-up to the goal after coming on at right-back.
It was a night of solid but unspectacular six-out-of-ten performances for much of the team, including Alisson, the entire back four, and midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. Mohamed Salah's introduction from the bench brought energy but little end product.
Striker Struggles Continue for Isak
The main concern for Liverpool will be the form of their attack. Alexander Isak was handed a lowly 5/10 rating after another difficult outing. The striker fired one ambitious effort off target and, despite working hard defensively, failed to gel with his teammates. The tactical shift at half-time did not work in his favour, and he was eventually replaced by Federico Chiesa late on.
Substitute Hugo Ekitike also failed to make an impact, while Cody Gakpo worked hard but lacked quality before being substituted. At the other end, a late dash back from Chiesa to clear a Sunderland effort off the line was vital in preserving the point.
The draw ensures Liverpool stay in touch with the top four, but with performances yet to fully convince, the pressure remains on Arne Slot to find a winning formula.
