Liverpool have failed to ease pressure on Arne Slot following their 1-1 draw against Sunderland, which saw Federico Chiesa rescue a late point for the hosts.
The Italy international came on in the 86th minute as Liverpool searched for a winner, but ended up making a last-minute goal clearance to help the Anfield side avoid another defeat in front of their own fans.
Chiesa made a vital block in the 94th minute, stopping Sunderland frontman Wilson Isidor from scoring after the Frenchman had gone past Alisson in the box and looked certain to secure all three points for the visitors.
Federico Chiesa Deserves More Minutes
federico chiesa
Yet to start a Premier League game this season, Chiesa made his 10th appearance off the bench on Wednesday as Liverpool looked lacklustre up front once more.
The Reds were able to secure a point thanks to Florian Wirtz’s deflected shot, while just four of their 23 attempts were on target, with another hitting the woodwork.
With two goals and one assist in just 143 minutes on the field this season, Chiesa has been deserving of more minutes, particularly given how poorly both Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah have performed lately.
The Egyptian forward was benched for a second Premier League game in a row on Wednesday before coming on at the interval.
After he struggled to inspire Liverpool to a breakthrough up front, Slot was questioned over the decision to drop Salah after the game and offered a blunt response.
The Dutch tactician was much more vocal when discussing Gakpo’s display, admitting the forward ‘struggled’ to perform following his impressive cameo in the 2-0 win over West Ham, where he scored and registered an assist.
Arne Slot Under Pressure at Liverpool
Arne Slot following Liverpool's 3-0 loss to Manchester City.
Premier League - Manchester City v Liverpool - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - November 9, 2025 Liverpool manager Arne Slot looks dejected after the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
While Slot has been brave in his team selections recently, notably dropping Salah for two games in a row, a decision regarding Chiesa also has to be made.
The 'spectacular' Italy international deserves a run of starts in the Premier League after creating multiple moments of magic already this season, and a decision could end up saving Slot from the sack.
Liverpool are in need of a creative spark up front amid their dire run of results, having won just two of their last nine Premier League games.
The Reds next take on Leeds away from home on Saturday, before visiting Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday.