It was hard for the media to find any positives from Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland, with Arne Slot yet again coming under scrutiny.
The Reds were ineffective throughout on Wednesday evening, arguably finding themselves lucky to even earn a point at Anfield.
Here’s the best media reaction to Liverpool’s latest poor result.
How the media reacted to Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland
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)
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)
Writing on X, Lewis Steele of the Mail didn’t hold back in his criticism:
“Let’s get it straight, that was another stinking performance by Liverpool.
“A lot of talk about the Mo Salah or no Mo Salah debate but with him or without him, they look like a team without a clue right now.”
The Athletic’s James Pearce feels there is so much wrong in terms of belief:
“Slot’s side threatened to win it but could just as easily have lost it.
“So much anxiety and desperation. So much improvement needed.”
The win at West Ham has quickly been forgotten…
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Chris Bascombe of the Telegraph says Liverpool’s weekend momentum has been lost immediately:
“One step forward, 11 points back. That’s the dismal truth for Liverpool’s title defence as their wait for a successive Premier League win continues.
“This time, Slot’s decision to overlook Mohamed Salah in his starting XI did not yield the necessary improvement.”
Speaking on Sky Sports, former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge claimed Slot isn’t even sure what his strongest team is:
"The manager at this moment in time doesn't know his best XI"
Daniel Sturridge on what needs changing at Liverpool ? pic.twitter.com/Lq6bWC9b0U
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 3, 2025
“Few Liverpool fans would have been under the illusion that the weekend win at West Ham was enough to cure all ills.
“Indeed, the first 45 minutes against Sunderland provided enough to remind them there is still plenty of work to be done.
“A 1-1 draw might be the most Liverpool could have hoped for from the game, but the problems appear to run deep with the performance more concerning than the result.”
And Slot’s job is in question again…
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)
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)
BBC Sport‘s Phil McNulty was another who feels the Reds are still in a bad place:
“Slot’s team were short of ideas, with even the half-time introduction of Mohamed Salah failing to inspire them at a subdued Anfield.
“If the win at West Ham had offered hope that Liverpool were out of their wretched spell after nine defeats in 12 games, they were back to mediocrity once more here.”
“There was some positivity at the end of the game for Liverpool thanks to the equaliser instigated by Florian Wirtz, and though it could have been much worse, a draw was still a poor result for Liverpool.
“Sunderland are a good outfit, but Liverpool were too often their own worst enemies, as has too often been the case this season.
“There will now be pressure on the manager to get the away win against a Leeds team they will be expected to beat, but who also just defeated Chelsea 3-1.”
Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Sunderland AFC
Football - FA Premier League - Liverpool FC v Sunderland AFC
Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Sunderland AFC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
FlorianWirtz Sky
FlorianWirtz Sky