Liverpool had an own goal to thank for saving their blushes against Sunderland on another difficult night at Anfield. The hosts toiled for much of the contest but did enough to rescue a point against the newly-promoted Black Cats. It will do little to paper over the widening cracks, though, with the Reds looking devoid of confidence until they managed to score.
Both teams were denied by the woodwork in the first half, with Alexis Mac Allister going close for Liverpool before Sunderland defender Trai Hume saw a long-range effort tipped onto the crossbar. Florian Wirtz had another chance to open the scoring for the Reds but knocked his effort wide under pressure from several defenders.
Sunderland hit the frame of the goal for a second time after the interval, with Omar Alderete's bullet header rattling the near post. They eventually took the lead through Chemsdine Talbi, who opened the scoring with a deflected effort from outside the box. It looked like Sunderland would go on to win before Wirtz danced into the box and fired home to salvage a draw for the hosts. However, it went down as an own goal thanks to a mighty deflection from Nordi Mukiele.
Express Sport rates and slates the Liverpool players following tonight's stalemate...
Liverpool player ratings vs Sunderland
Alisson Becker - 6
Undone by a deflection for the opening goal. Made a routine save to deny Trai Hume from long range and caught a few efforts which went straight at him. Distribution wasn't always great.
Joe Gomez - 6
Did his defensive duties well enough and helped out in the final third, but could have moved the ball a bit quicker. Booked for a late challenge in the second half.
Ibrahima Konate - 5
Struggled to deal with the physical presence of Brian Brobbey at times and had a couple of nervy moments at the back. Kept it simple in possession.
Virgil van Dijk - 4
Allowed far too much space for Talbi to set himself and fire towards goal. Only came alive following the equaliser. Not his best game by any stretch.
Andy Robertson - 6
Returned to the side in the only change from the weekend. Brought plenty of energy, bombing up and down to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Ryan Gravenberch - 5
Used his defensive nous to break up attacking moves in the engine room but was a bit slow to move the ball when in possession. Wasn't as influential as Liverpool needed him to be.
Alexis Mac Allister - 6
Didn't hesitate to get stuck in but failed to have the impact he would have liked. Went close with a guided header that kissed the post on its way behind.
Dominik Szoboszlai - 6
Looked lively from the start and was positive on the ball. Had a few sloppy moments but didn't stop running and twice tested Robin Roefs from range.
Florian Wirtz - 7
Did brilliantly for the equaliser but remains without an official league goal thanks to the wicked deflection. Worked hard to make things happen and eventually got his reward.
Cody Gakpo - 4
Struggled to make the right decisions, often cutting inside when staying wide would have been a smarter choice. Lacked quality and variation in the final third. Hooked at the break.
Alexander Isak - 3
Didn't contribute much apart from one moment where he jinked into space and blazed well over the crossbar. Nowhere to be seen.
Substitutes
Mohamed Salah - 6
Played the second half and brought an extra burst of pace and energy. The hosts looked better with him on the pitch.
Curtis Jones - 7
Got stuck in as Liverpool chased the game and made a big impact after coming off the bench.
Hugo Ekitike - 6
Looked lively when he was introduced in the second half. Contributed far more than Isak in spite of his limited minutes.
Federico Chiesa - n/a
A late addition. Produced a crucial block to deny Wilson Isidior a dramatic late winner.
Milos Kerkez - n/a
A late addition.