Florian Wirtz forced an own goal in the 81st minute as Liverpool salvaged a 1-1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield, but the result did little to mask the Premier League champions' ongoing struggles. The newly promoted visitors took a deserved lead through Chemsdine Talbi's deflected strike after a defensive error by Virgil van Dijk, and only a goalline clearance from substitute Federico Chiesa in stoppage time prevented a first Sunderland win at Anfield since 1983.
Liverpool, who have now won just four of their last 14 games, were subdued for long periods. Sunderland's high-tempo opening saw Brian Brobbey impress on his first Premier League start, while Trai Hume hit the crossbar from 25 yards. The hosts' best chance before the break came when Alexis Mac Allister headed against the post from a Joe Gomez cross.
Mohamed Salah was introduced at half-time for the second consecutive game, replacing the ineffective Cody Gakpo. However, it was Sunderland who struck first when Van Dijk's misplaced clearance fell to Enzo Le Fée, who set up Talbi to score via the Liverpool captain's deflection. The Anfield crowd grew restless as Alexander Isak and Andy Robertson gave away possession cheaply.
Liverpool's equaliser came when Wirtz's shot deflected off Nordi Mukiele and past goalkeeper Robin Roefs. In stoppage time, Chiesa sprinted back to block Wilson Isidor's effort on the line after the Sunderland substitute had rounded Alisson. 'The draw was the minimum we deserved,' said Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, while Sunderland's Régis Le Bris noted: 'The players are discovering a new league.'
