Arne Slot has expressed his frustration following Liverpool's home draw against Sunderland, acknowledging that teams are now visiting Anfield with a belief they can secure points.
The Reds were reliant on a late own goal from Nordi Mukiele to salvage a 1-1 draw against the Black Cats. The outcome leaves Liverpool in eighth place in the Premier League table. Despite avoiding a 10th loss in their last 14 matches, the Reds have only managed two victories in their last seven home games and put in a tepid display.
In his post-match comments, Slot dismissed suggestions that Anfield is losing its 'fear factor', insisting that a draw was the minimum his team deserved after another exasperating evening.
"No, not Anfield for sure," the Reds' head coach responded during his press conference. "But it is clear that teams who play us now think they can get a result.
"Not only think because it's been shown this season. Even in the games we've won, I think they also fuelled the confidence for other teams because they think there is something possible because the wins we had at the beginning of the season weren't easy ones as well.
"I feel a bit of both (pleased and frustrated). I knew before the game, when you play Sunderland, from their 14 games they have played now they only conceded more than one goal four times and in these four games they have only conceded two.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Florian Wirtz of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Andrew Robertson during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Sunderland at Anfield on December 03, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Andy Robertson congratulates Florian Wirtz after his run and shot helps bring Liverpool level against Sunderland (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
"So it is hard team to score against. It is a hard team to create chances against. They either go really aggressive in a high press or they have 11 players who defend their box with their lives. That's why it's so difficult to create.
"In that aspect, I was hoping for more, but I knew how difficult it is to create against them. We have hardly conceded the first big chance.
"I don't count the one that hit the bar because that was not a chance, but the first was from a set piece that hit the post. And then their goal is not even a chance.
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"If that is a chance we have had 20 chances tonight but unfortunately a deflection led to us going 1-0 down. In recent games we have found it really hard to get an equalizer although we had our chances every time.
"Today we have had a bit of luck with scoring 1-1 because it was also a deflection. For me it's different because that is a shot from eight, nine yards, 10 so that is a serious chance.
"A shot from 20 yards isn't a serious chance. An opportunity but not a serious chance."
Liverpool.com says: While the Reds did restrict Sunderland, that shouldn't be cause for major celebration, especially at Anfield. Liverpool didn't create much, so it still needs to find the right balance between defense and attack.