Liverpool's struggles continued on Wednesday as they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Anfield, leaving Arne Slot's side with just two wins in their last nine matches. After a goalless first half, the visitors took the lead through Chemsdine Talbi in the 66th minute, before Florian Wirtz's shot deflected off Nordi Mukiele to level the score in the 80th minute.
Wirtz, who has struggled since his summer arrival, thought he had scored his first goal for Liverpool, but the goal was later ruled an own goal. Speaking live on Sky Sports after the match, the German was informed of the decision and reacted with disappointment before quickly shifting focus to the team. 'Yeah... doesn't matter today. We drew, we wanted to win, so that's what counts today so yeah, unlucky,' he said.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk faced criticism for his role in Sunderland's goal. Club legend Jamie Carragher, analysing the match for Sky Sports, blamed van Dijk for turning his back on the play. 'That goal sums up Liverpool in this game. The performance was really, really worrying. It feels like a step back,' Carragher said.
Mohamed Salah was dropped for the second league match in a row and came on at half-time. Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp suggested the Egyptian may not be content with a bit-part role and could leave the club. '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 said.
