Liverpool drew 1-1 with Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday evening as Arne Slot's side came from behind to earn a hard-fought point
22:31, 03 Dec 2025Updated 22:34, 03 Dec 2025
Virgil van Dijk
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Virgil van Dijk was at fault for Sunderland's goal(Image: Paul Currie/Shutterstock)
Liverpool battled back to secure a hard-fought draw at Anfield against high-flying Sunderland on Wednesday night.
A deflected strike from Chemsdine Talbi put the visitors in front in the second half, only for Florian Wirtz's effort to ricochet off Nordi Mukiele and level the scores.
The stalemate ensures Arne Slot's men stay in the top half of the Premier League table, closing the gap on the coveted top four to a mere two points. Here, the Daily Star Sport rate the Reds' performances.
Arne Slot
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Arne Slot's Liverpool were frustrated again(Image: Getty Images)
Alisson Becker 6.
Handled a few direct shots in the first half and managed to tip a long-range Hume effort onto the crossbar. His distribution was a bit hit-and-miss, though.
Joe Gomez 6.
Solid enough defensively in the early stages, although he seemed a bit unsure when in possession. His cross created a chance for Mac Allister in the first half, but he understandably faded after the break. He was booked and then substituted.
Ibrahima Konate 6.
Relished his physical battle with Brobbey and kept it simple when in possession. He had a lucky escape with a stray header in the second half.
Virgil van Dijk 5.
He floored Brobbey in the opening minutes, and the Sunderland striker largely avoided him after that. Van Dijk made some crucial defensive headers but was at fault for the opener, which deflected off him and into the net after he turned his back.
Andy Robertson 6.
Showed plenty of energy on his return and frequently looked to support the attack, although his link-up play with Wirtz wasn't as effective in the second half. He was later substituted.
Ryan Gravenberch 6.
More focused on his defensive duties than creative ball use before the break. Perhaps a bit too cautious with possession in the second half.
Alexis Mac Allister 6.
Had plenty of the ball before half-time, wasn't afraid to get stuck in and hit the post with a header, but started to flag as the game wore on. Substituted.
Dominik Szoboszlai 7.
A few unusually careless moments in the first half but worked hard to get Liverpool moving and tested Roefs from distance twice. Moved to a central position in the second half and had more influence.
Florian Wirtz 7.
Started as the floating number 10, pressed well and nearly nudged one past Roefs before switching to the left wing after the break and saw a shot deflected in for the equaliser.
Florian Wirtz
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Florian Wirtz rescued Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo 6.
Put in a lot of effort down the left, even if his quality and variation were sometimes lacking. Substituted.
Alexander Isak 5.
Missed the target with an ambitious attempt in the first half and continues to gel better with his team-mates, also put in a good defensive shift. The tactical changes at half-time didn't work in his favour, though.
Substitutes
Mohamed Salah (for Gakpo 46) 5.
Came on to huge cheers and looked like a player with something to prove before getting caught up in the general struggle.
Curtis Jones (for Gomez 65) 7.
Took over at right-back and tried to add more attacking threat, did well to win the ball for the equaliser.
Hugo Ekitike (for Mac Allister 74) 5.
Failed to make any significant impact.
Federico Chiesa (for Isak 86).
Made a brilliant clearance off the line from Isidor during injury time.
Milos Kerkez (for Robertson 86).
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Managed to block a header from Van Dijk.