Liverpool managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield on October 28, 2023, with a late equalizer from Florian Wirtz. The young German midfielder’s effort, which was deflected into the net by Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele, prevented head coach Arne Slot from facing further scrutiny after leaving star player Mohamed Salah out of the starting lineup for consecutive league matches for the first time in his Liverpool career.
Sunderland appeared to be on course for a historic victory, with Chemsdine Talbi scoring a stunning long-range goal in the 67th minute. This marked a potential first win for the Black Cats at Anfield in over 42 years, celebrated jubilantly by former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips among the away fans. Yet, Wirtz, who had impressed in Liverpool’s previous match against West Ham, skillfully navigated through defenders to level the score just nine minutes before the final whistle.
The 22-year-old midfielder, whose transfer fee could reportedly reach £116 million, is seen as part of Liverpool’s future amid a substantial £450 million summer spending spree. Despite his recent form, British record signing Alexander Isak struggled, failing to make a significant impact in the game, with his first-half effort eliciting discontent from the away supporters.
Salah’s second-half introduction aimed to inject energy into the Liverpool attack, although he was unable to change the course of the match significantly. With the African Cup of Nations approaching in just ten days, Slot may find it easier to manage his squad without the dilemma of including his most high-profile player.
Sunderland had the upper hand in the initial half, with Liverpool appearing more focused on defensive solidity. Trai Hume‘s shot nearly found the net, slipping through goalkeeper Alisson Becker‘s grasp and hitting the crossbar. Liverpool’s first serious attempt came just before the break, with Dominik Szoboszlai testing Sunderland’s goalkeeper Robin Roefs with a curling shot, followed by a header from Alexis Mac Allister that struck the post.
The second half saw Salah take center stage, but Liverpool’s defense faced challenges without the protection provided by Szoboszlai. Joe Gomez quickly found himself booked after a foul on Reinildo Mandava. Sunderland continued to threaten, with Omar Alderete hitting the post with a header.
The turning point for Liverpool came when a defensive lapse allowed Talbi to score. After Ibrahima Konaté misjudged a header, Virgil van Dijk misplaced a pass that led to Talbi’s shot deflecting off him and past Alisson.
Ultimately, Wirtz’s late goal salvaged a point for Liverpool, although they nearly surrendered it in added time. Federico Chiesa cleared a dangerous counter-attack from Sunderland, ensuring the match ended in a draw. The result leaves Liverpool reflecting on their performance, while Sunderland will take heart from their competitive display at Anfield.
