It’s back to square one for Liverpool after drawing 1-1 at home to Sunderland, with several players again a shadow of their former selves.
Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland
Premier League (14) | Anfield
December 3, 2025
Goals: Mukiele OG 81′; Talbi 67′
Alisson – 5 (out of 10)
Tipped a long-range strike onto the bar, albeit not in the most convincing fashion, and then avoided ‘doing a Pickford’ by tipping an awkward shot over.
His distribution was poor, as has been the case since he returned from injury.
Joe Gomez – 5
Gomez was reliable defensively, barring being booked for a rash tackle, but in an attacking sense he struggled to offer the desired quality.
It is harsh to expect too much from him at right-back though.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Ibrahima Konate – 5
Like many opponents, Sunderland allowed Konate to have the ball often, sensing his lack of confidence in possession.
He struggled to use it effectively, but defensively he was largely solid up against the physical Brian Brobbey.
Big error not capitalised on after the interval and still an erratic presence overall.
Virgil van Dijk – 5
Van Dijk didn’t always look at his unruffled best, even though he read the game well and made important headed clearances at times.
The skipper was awful for Chemsdine Talbi’s opener, however, losing possession then backing off and allowing the ball to deflect off him past Alisson.
Made a vital header away from danger at 1-1, but more leadership is needed in these tough times.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk reacts to conceding the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Andy Robertson – 5
Robertson didn’t exactly excel in place of Milos Kerkez, failing to bring much of an attacking spark down the left flank.
He no longer has the legs to overlap relentlessly, while some of his crossing felt more hopeful than brimming with belief.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5
This was another game where Gravenberch failed to influence matters, with the Dutchman guilty of chewing up possession too often.
There was the odd moment of quality in tight areas, but this is a far cry from the player who wowed last season.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister reacts to hitting the right post during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Alexis Mac Allister – 5
Mac Allister’s lack of pace and general fitness were again glaring.
He hit the post with a header just before half-time, but like Gravenberch he slowed things down too much in midfield.
Bring back last season’s Macca!
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Szoboszlai wasn’t at his best on the right wing, not giving Liverpool enough width, which was problematic with Gomez at right-back.
The Hungarian did unleash two stinging strikes in the first half, though, while one whipped cross nearly created a chance.
Moved centrally into the No. 10 after the break and tried as hard as anyone.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz celebrates with team-mate Curtis Jones (L) after scoring Liverpool's first and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Florian Wirtz – 6
Wirtz wasn’t as eye-catching as he was against West Ham, but he still felt like Liverpool’s most likely source of creativity.
He nearly scored his first Liverpool goal, putting the ball just wide at the second attempt, while a nice shimmy got him into a dangerous area.
Went to the left-hand side in the second half and was the key reason for Nordi Mukiele’s own goal following a slaloming run and shot.
Cody Gakpo – 4
Gakpo is Liverpool’s most frustrating player to watch currently, and perhaps the most one-dimensional.
Time and time again, he cut inside into bodies, instead of linking with Robertson, and there needs to be more variety in his game.
Replaced at half-time and rightly so.
Alexander Isak – 3
Struggled badly. One wild early shot was as close as he got to scoring, and in terms of link-up play everything felt ponderous.
Bordering on non-existent and had just 15 touches all night.
Substitutes
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Liverpool's substitute Mohamed Salah getting ready to come on at half time during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Mohamed Salah (on for Gakpo, 46′) – 6
Added some urgency, but still far from peak Salah!
Curtis Jones (on for Gomez, 65′) – 6
Made a difference – great pass in the lead-up to Wirtz’s goal.
Hugo Ekitike (on for Mac Allister, 74′) – 6
Offered more than Isak, but didn’t do much. Fired over with the last kick of the game.
Federico Chiesa (on for Isak, 86′) – 6
Brilliant block on the line in stoppage time.
Milos Kerkez (on for Robertson, 86′) – 5
One positive ball up the left channel and blocked Van Dijk’s goalbound shot, that was about it!
Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Endo, Nyoni, Ngumoha
Arne Slot – 4
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Slot gave himself some leeway last weekend, but this was yet another awful performance from Liverpool, raising fresh concerns.
There was no pace and urgency to play until the final minutes, with Sunderland the better team for large periods.
Slot tweaked things at half-time, but there still weren’t big enough improvements and the dissenting voices will only get louder after some respite.
Another concerning night for the Dutchman, whose Premier League champions look like mid-table fodder.