In one of the most entertaining matches of the season, Liverpool and Sunderland battled for 90 minutes. When the dust settled, there was nothing to separate the two sides as they battled to a 1-1 draw.
First Half
Sunderland looked dangerous in the early going, forcing a save. Dominik Szoboszlai returned the favour in the 10th minute. From that point, the Reds enjoyed a long spell of possession, but they could not score.
The Reds missed a golden opportunity in the 23rd minute, but Florian Wirtz could not convert after a bad giveaway. Sunderland did not have much of the ball, but when they did, the Black Cats were direct in their attack, forcing a save from Alisson in the 28th. He played a save off the bar moments later.
Szoboszlai forced a long-distance save in the 42nd minute, and Alexis Mac Allister's header from the resulting corner hit the outside of the post. The Reds had to clear a pair of corners in first-half stoppage time, but Alisson's punch kept the match level at the break.
Second Half
Mohamed Salah was introduced as a sub at halftime, and Liverpool showed more energy to start the half. The Black Cat defence held firm. They earned a dangerous free kick in the 56th minute, but it sailed high. Salah nearly converted a corner kick moments later, and Szoboszlai put a shot in the Kop.
Sunderland followed with a corner near the hour mark that hit the post. The Black Cats got a bit of luck as Chemsdine Talbi scored a deflected goal off the back of Virgil van Dijk in the 67th minute.
Liverpool started pushing for an equaliser, but they had poor finishing in the final third. That changed in the 81st when Wirtz cut around two players and scored a deflected goal. After the match, however, the score was changed to an own goal.
With the match tied at 1-1, Liverpool looked destined for a late winner, but Sunderland engaged in desperate defending to keep the ball out. With the Reds pushing so many numbers forward, it almost cost the Reds the game. In stoppage time, Sunderland had a breakaway that saw Alisson off his line, but Federico Chiesa tracked back to clear the ball away and salvage a point for Liverpool.
What A Game
This was the most entertaining match of the season so far. The teams were evenly matched, and you could not guess the outcome until the last whistle. Some supporters will be disappointed the Reds did not secure all three points, but I'm not. Sunderland is a strong side, and I see this as a good and fair result for both teams.
A Look At The Table
Another reason this point is so big for Liverpool is that, thanks to Leeds upsetting Chelsea, the Reds are just two points out of the top four. I know that's not ideal because Liverpool have such high standards, but considering the bad form Liverpool have been in, four points in the last two games is certainly something for Arne Slot to build on. We still have lots of season left, and this is a positive sign.
A Salah Spark
Liverpool played much better in the second half, thanks in no small part to Mohamed Salah. He was instrumental in numerous Liverpool chances. The Egyptian King may not be producing goals at the moment, but I think the Reds are a better team with him on the pitch. I hope Slot gives him plenty of minutes on the pitch before he departs for the African Cup of Nations.
LFC Globe Verdict
I think the Reds have turned a corner. They traditionally play well in December, and the table is so packed behind Arsenal that they can make up ground in a hurry. If Liverpool can pick up three points at Leeds on December 6th, it will be another positive step in the right direction. If not, then it's back to square one, and the good feelings of these last two matches evaporate.
Man Of The Match
He was only on the pitch for four minutes plus stoppage time, but Federico Chiesa made the biggest play of the match by clearing the ball off the line to secure a much-needed point for the Reds. He also seems to make a big impact despite limited minutes. He deserves as many accolades as he can get.
Whats Next
Liverpool will travel to Leeds United on December 6th for a 17:30 GMT kickoff.
Goals
Liverpool
- Nordi Mukiele OG 81'
Sunderland
- Chemsdine Talbi 67'
Substitutes
Liverpool
- Mohamed Salah for Cody Gakpo HT'
- Curtis Jones for Joe Gomez 65'
- Hugo Ekitike for Alexis MacAllister 74'
- Milos Kerkez for Andy Robertson 88'
- Federico Chiesa for Alexander Isak 88'
Sunderland
- Wilson Ilsidor for Brian Brooby 62'
- Lutsharel Geertruida for Enzo Le Fee 79'
- Luke O'Nien for Chemsdine Talbi 90+'