Liverpool required a late own goal to salvage a draw after Sunderland looked poised to heap further pressure on head coach Arne Slot at Anfield.
Sunderland went ahead deservedly in the 67th minute when Chemsdine Talbi’s strike from 25 yards took a deflection off Virgil van Dijk, leaving Alisson helpless.
Before that, Sunderland had already issued serious warnings — Alisson was lucky to tip Trai Hume’s effort onto the bar in the first half, and Omar Alderete later headed against the post after the break.
Slot again opted to start without Mohamed Salah following Sunday’s victory at West Ham United, though he introduced the Egyptian at half-time in an attempt to inject some life into Liverpool’s flat display.
Alex Mac Allister struck the woodwork in the first period during one of Liverpool’s scarce threats, and it ultimately took a lucky own goal to prevent another harmful defeat when Florian Wirtz’s attempt deflected off Nordi Mukiele with nine minutes remaining.
Sunderland nearly grabbed all three points in stoppage time when substitute Wilson Isidor broke away, but Federico Chiesa managed to track back and clear the shot off the line.
Liverpool analysis: Slot’s fading champions mediocre again
Slot’s Premier League title-holders were on course for another embarrassing home setback until a late stroke of luck earned them a draw.
Despite Sunday’s win at West Ham United, Liverpool appeared headed for yet another costly loss at Anfield as Sunderland maintained their excellent form with a high-quality display.
Slot’s side lacked creativity throughout, and even the half-time arrival of Mohamed Salah did little to energize the team in a quiet Anfield atmosphere.
Wirtz seemed to have scored his first Liverpool goal, but Mukiele’s deflection proved crucial, leaving Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs with no chance.
With Alexander Isak again ineffective, Liverpool rarely threatened, and only substitute Chiesa spared them a humiliating defeat with his last-gasp goal-line clearance.
Any optimism from the win at West Ham that Liverpool’s run of nine defeats in 12 matches was behind them evaporated, as they slipped back into another mediocre showing.
Sunderland analysis: Excellent Black Cats merit praise
Sunderland fully earned the point they claimed at Anfield — and few would have argued had they departed with all three.
The impressive leadership of Regis le Bris, combined with a bold summer recruitment drive, has paid off handsomely, with the team now sixth in the Premier League on 23 points.
Sunderland played assertively from the outset, refusing to let Liverpool establish rhythm, staying composed in possession and posing a threat throughout.
Driven on by their loud supporters on a bitterly cold night on Merseyside, and with 33-year-old Granit Xhaka again proving what a shrewd signing he has been through his experience and midfield control, Sunderland showed no fear.
Even as Liverpool tried to stage a late surge, Sunderland remained solid, with goalkeeper Robin Roefs exuding composure.
Their only regret may be failing to score a dramatic late winner when Isidor broke free in added time — but his attempt to dribble around Alisson gave Federico Chiesa the chance to recover and clear.
Still, this was another hugely encouraging evening for Sunderland, who continue to progress as a Premier League side.
