(Football result) - A late own goal from Nordi Mukiele enabled Liverpool to escape losing to Sunderland, retaining a crucial point at Anfield following a thrilling 1-1 draw in the Premier League.
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A late own goal by Nordi Mukiele helped Liverpool avoid defeat and secure a point in the 1-1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield.
Determined to avoid two consecutive home defeats for the first time since 2012, Liverpool started strongly. Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz both tested goalkeeper Robin Roefs, while Cody Gakpo continuously troubled the visitors’ defense. However, Sunderland gradually regained control, with Trai Hume’s thunderous shot superbly saved by Alisson hitting the crossbar.
Before halftime, Alexis Mac Allister nearly put Liverpool ahead with a header that struck the post from a Joe Gomez cross. Thus, the hosts experienced their fourth consecutive Premier League match without scoring in the first half, their worst run since February 2023. Coach Arne Slot had to bring Mohamed Salah on early in the second half, improving Liverpool’s play, but Sunderland remained dangerous. Omar Alderete even made Anfield fans hold their breath with a header narrowly missing the post.
In the 70th minute, Sunderland’s relentless pressing paid off. Chemsdine Talbi intercepted a poor pass from Virgil van Dijk and shot deflected off Liverpool’s captain, leaving Alisson helpless. However, the visitors couldn’t hold onto the lead. In the 81st minute, Florian Wirtz’s shot deflected off Mukiele into the net, leveling the score at 1-1 for Liverpool.
In the final minutes, “The Kop” threw everything forward but almost got punished by a counterattack from Wilson Isidor, only Federico Chiesa’s timely clearance on the goal line saved the day. Sunderland left Anfield disappointed after missing their first chance to win here since 1983, while Liverpool still has many issues to fix.
Liverpool: Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley are out due to injury.
Sunderland: Habib Diarra and Aji Alese are sidelined with injuries.
Liverpool: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Chiesa; Isak.
Sunderland: Roefs; Mandava, Geertruida, Ballard, Mukiele, Hume; Fee, Sadiki, Xhaka, Traore; Isidor.
Liverpool form: In the last 5 matches, Liverpool won 2, lost 3, scored 4 goals, conceded 10.
Sunderland form: In their last 5 games, Sunderland won 2, drew 2, lost 1, scored 8 goals, conceded 7.
Head-to-head record: In the last 5 meetings, Liverpool won 3 and drew 2 against Sunderland.
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