Arne Slot said he was pleased with his team’s response to going behind in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Sunderland.
Liverpool was sluggish for long periods of the game, with the Reds often looking disjointed in possession and struggling to break down Sunderland’s low block. The visitors did grab the opening goal in the 61st minute, when Chemsdine Talbi’s shot deflected in off a timid Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds also relied on a ricochet to get back on level terms, with Florian Wirtz denied his maiden Premier League goal when his shot, which bounced off the shin of Nordi Mukiele, was deemed to be an own-goal.
Liverpool pushed late on to grab a winner, but had to settle for a point on a night that underlined the issues that remain in this team.
Asked for his verdict after the game, Slot told Sky Sports: “I think similar as in the weekend [against West Ham].
“A game where we did not concede a lot [of chances]; we didn’t create a lot. Maybe we created a bit more than we conceded.
Florian Wirtz shoots at goal while surrounded by Sunderland players
Florian Wirtz's strike against Sunderland was given as a Nordi Mukiele own-goal
“Today, of course, very unlucky with the goal we've conceded. A deflection that could go anywhere, but in this period of time, it goes in.
“But I like I really liked our reaction afterwards. I think you saw a team that wanted to make the equalizer and when we did, we tried everything to make the winner.
“Another a game where we probably scored less than we could have scored, and the opponent scored were quite good in in the few chances they had making a goal out of that,” he added.
Arne Slot gathers the ball
Slot praised Sunderland after the 1-1 draw against Sunderland
While questions will be raised about Liverpool’s standards on Wednesday, Sunderland will be equally praised for an excellent defensive display at Anfield.
“That's the reason why it's so difficult to beat them,” said Slot. “They are very compact if they go low, and they are very aggressive when they press you high.
“There's a reason probably why we're not the only team who couldn't beat them. I think a few other very good teams had their problems with them as well, and it's difficult. They don't concede a lot of goals.
“With so many bodies in and around the 18-yard box, it's difficult to find a free player over there and we kept moving the ball around, crossed it in multiple times I think. But yeah, they have some good headers in front of goals well.”