Key Takeaways:
- Liverpool recorded their first draw of the season in a 1-1 result against Sunderland at Anfield
- Chemsdine Talbi scored in the 68th minute following a costly error by Virgil van Dijk
- An own goal by Nordi Mukiele in the 81st minute allowed Liverpool to rescue a point, but Sunderland remain a point ahead in the standings
Match Analysis
Liverpool were unable to capitalise on their recent victory and performance against West Ham, drawing 1-1 with Sunderland at home in a lacklustre display. The home crowd expressed disappointment after a performance in which the titleholders dominated possession, yet seldom troubled the visitors with a slow and predictable tempo. Sunderland, meanwhile, produced a disciplined defensive showing and extended their strong run with another positive result.
It ends level at Anfield. #LIVSUN pic.twitter.com/fZsGKzb6Ds
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 3, 2025
Throughout the first half, Liverpool grew into the match after a balanced opening 20 minutes, yet both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. A goalkeeping error from Ryoefs in the 24th minute gifted Florian Wirtz a rare opening, but the German international’s effort ricocheted narrowly wide after a brief scramble in the six-yard box. Sunderland responded through Trai Hume, whose well-struck attempt from 25 metres was parried by Alisson Becker onto the crossbar in the 32nd minute.
Dominik Szoboszlai replied with a powerful shot that Ryoefs did well to turn away, while Alexis Mac Allister’s header also struck the frame of the goal before the interval.
Key Moments and Goals
At the break, Arne Slot sent Mohamed Salah on for Cody Gakpo in a bid to inject greater attacking intent. Liverpool intensified their efforts, but Sunderland’s resistance held firm, with Alderete’s header from a corner in the 61st minute denied only by the woodwork.
Despite continued pressure, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the 68th minute. Virgil van Dijk misplaced a pass under pressure just outside his penalty area, allowing Chemsdine Talbi to latch onto the loose ball and fire home from 22 metres via a deflection off Van Dijk. The shot’s altered trajectory left Alisson helpless and handed Sunderland a shock lead.
The hosts found it difficult to create clear chances but found an equaliser in the 81st minute. Curtis Jones’s pressing enabled him to dispossess Sunderland in their own half, feeding Wirtz in the box. Wirtz weaved between three defenders and shot towards goal, the ball taking a decisive deflection off Nordi Mukiele and beating Ryoefs. While it seemed Wirtz might open his Liverpool account, the goal was officially awarded as a Mukiele own goal.
Late Drama and Standings Impact
With the match poised at 1-1, Liverpool pressed forward through late substitutions, introducing Chiesa and Kerkez. However, Sunderland nearly stole victory in stoppage time. Ryoefs initiated a rapid counter-attack with a precise long pass to Isidor, who rounded Alisson and shot at goal, only for Chiesa to produce a crucial goal-line clearance that preserved parity.
As a result, Sunderland left Anfield still a point clear of Liverpool in the standings, frustrating the champions and keeping their impressive run intact.
