Playing at home on 3/12, defending champions Liverpool delivered a listless performance, conceding first due to a Virgil van Dijk error. The Dutch center-back's misplaced pass in his own half allowed Le Fee to intercept and set up Chemsdine Talbi. Talbi dribbled two touches before striking from 25 meters, the ball deflecting off Van Dijk to give Sunderland the lead.
Liverpool then relied on luck to secure a point. In the 81st minute, USD 170 million midfielder Florian Wirtz drove into the box and fired a left-footed shot that deflected off Nordi Mukiele into the net, leveling the score at 1-1. In stoppage time, Federico Chiesa's defensive effort, clearing Wilson Isidor's shot off the line, narrowly saved Liverpool from defeat.
"The performance was truly concerning", Carragher commented on Sky Sports. "Liverpool appears to be regressing. They lack impetus, speed, everything. It does not resemble a team capable of creating goals".
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Chemsdine Talbi's shot deflected off Virgil van Dijk, who had his back turned, giving Sunderland the lead in their 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, Merseyside, England on 3/12/2025. Photo: Shutterstock |
Chemsdine Talbi's shot deflected off Virgil van Dijk, who had his back turned, giving Sunderland the lead in their 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, Merseyside, England on 3/12/2025. Photo: Shutterstock
This result extends Liverpool's lackluster run of form. Since their 5-1 victory over Tottenham in late April, which secured the Premier League title, Arne Slot's team has only collected 23 points from 18 league matches. They have also won just three of their last 14 games across all competitions.
Carragher stated that Liverpool appeared to be sleeping on the pitch, particularly in the first half, characterized by excessive space and disorganization. The former England defender also criticized the defense for allowing Sunderland to score from such a simple situation. "Van Dijk had his back turned when Talbi shot, that situation says it all", he added.
Former striker Daniel Sturridge suggested that coach Slot is still struggling to define his main lineup following a record-breaking transfer window exceeding USD 600 million. "Players like Wirtz or Isak are still regaining fitness", he commented. "Slot also lacks confidence. I saw him change his operational approach for the first time. Liverpool needs to establish a clear structure and stick to it".
Meanwhile, Jamie Redknapp questioned Mohamed Salah's future after he was dropped from the starting lineup for two consecutive matches. "No matter how excellent Salah is, all good things come to an end. He cannot accept a substitute role", the former Liverpool midfielder stated. "If the trust between player and coach is strained, it's difficult to salvage. I believe things will be settled soon, perhaps in January or the summer".
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Salah was a substitute and only entered the game at the start of the second half. Photo: Reuters |
Salah was a substitute and only entered the game at the start of the second half. Photo: Reuters
Another Sky Sports analysis highlighted three issues for Liverpool in the draw against Sunderland. First, individual errors in basic situations. Van Dijk, once the Premier League's most solid anchor, appeared to lack confidence, making slow judgments and clumsy plays. The goal conceded against Sunderland originated from a long ball, where Ibrahima Konate lost a duel; the captain then won the ball but made a misplaced pass, subsequently turning his back as the opponent shot.
The second issue was being outplayed by Sunderland in every duel. The Anfield side seemed a step slower, lacking determination and even reluctant to run. Joe Gomez lost 8 of 9 duels, Salah lost all four of his second-half confrontations, and Szoboszlai won only one of five one-on-one situations. Sunderland excelled in tackles, interceptions, blocks, and shots on target.
Most critically, the attack faltered. Record signing Alexander Isak, valued at USD 175.5 million, registered no shots on target and touched the ball in the box only two times – the same as Van Dijk. Substitutes Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa made a greater impact.
Hong Duy (according to Sky Sports)
