Liverpool — Sunderland pulled off one of their most impressive results of the season after holding Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield in the Premier League on Thursday (4/12/2025) early morning local time.
For Sunderland, the result served as a major morale boost. For Liverpool, however, the draw once again highlighted a recurring issue: the gradual decline in their trademark intensity and aggressive pressing, especially when playing at home.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris admitted that his players were shocked by Liverpool’s approach, noting that the Reds did not deploy their usual high press and allowed the visitors more freedom on the ball.
Sunderland Shocked by Liverpool’s Passive Approach
Despite Liverpool dominating possession throughout the match, Sunderland were the first to find the back of the net. A curling effort from Chemsdine Talbi in the 67th minute took a slight deflection off Virgil van Dijk, leaving the goalkeeper completely wrong-footed. Ironically, the goal came only seconds after Van Dijk had lost the ball deep in his own half, presenting Sunderland with a golden opportunity.
According to Le Bris, Liverpool’s uncharacteristically low-intensity pressing in the first half gave his team more breathing room than expected.
“We started the game well. The first half was really interesting, both in attack and defense,” said Le Bris.
“The players were a bit surprised because we had space and time to build play. They didn’t expect Liverpool to play like that.”
His comments reflect a growing perception that Liverpool’s aggression under Arne Slot has not reached the level of previous seasons.
Is Anfield Losing Its Fear Factor?
Sunderland nearly doubled their lead before Liverpool found an equaliser late in the match. Florian Wirtz brought the Reds level nine minutes before full time, although his strike ultimately went down as an own goal by Nordi Mukiele, whose deflection wrong-footed the goalkeeper.
The result leaves Liverpool sitting eighth in the Premier League table, and their inconsistent performances continue to raise questions about the team’s overall direction.
While some critics suggested that Anfield may no longer intimidate visiting teams like it used to, Arne Slot dismissed that notion—although he did acknowledge that opponents are coming with more confidence.
“It’s not Anfield,” Slot insisted.
“But teams do feel they can get a result here. This season has already shown that.”
Arne Slot’s Explanation: Liverpool Dominated, but Lacked End Product
Slot emphasized that despite the disappointing result, Liverpool maintained dominance for most of the second half.
“In the second half, there was only one team controlling the ball,” Slot said.
“They had a couple of moments from set pieces, and those are always dangerous.”
The Dutch manager chose to look at the positives from the match.
“The good thing is we didn’t concede from a set piece. At the very least, we picked up a point.”
Liverpool Must Respond, Sunderland Walk Away Confident
The draw extends Liverpool’s inconsistent spell and highlights the urgent need to restore their intensity—especially in home games where Anfield traditionally acts as a fortress.
Sunderland, meanwhile, leave Merseyside with renewed confidence. Their disciplined performance and tactical flexibility proved that even at Anfield—once considered one of the toughest grounds in the world—stealing points is no longer an impossible mission.
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