BREAKING NEWS: Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland: Premier League Player Ratings — One Liverpool star scores a poor 4.5/10 as Wirtz shines but Reds drop crucial points at Anfield.

Liverpool’s hopes of regaining momentum in the Premier League took another blow as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Sunderland at Anfield. Despite dominating large portions of the match, the Reds once again struggled to convert pressure into goals, and a poor individual performance from one key player proved costly.

The energy was high inside Anfield, but the execution was far from convincing. Sunderland arrived with a disciplined game plan, absorbed pressure for long periods, and struck at the perfect moment. Liverpool responded, but their lack of sharpness, especially in midfield transitions and defensive concentration, allowed the visitors to walk away with a point they fully earned.

Florian Wirtz stood out as Liverpool’s brightest performer, showing vision, technique, and creativity throughout. However, his efforts were overshadowed by a teammate whose poor outing directly contributed to Liverpool losing yet another valuable two points in their pursuit of climbing the table.

First Half: Bright start, poor finishing

Liverpool started on the front foot, controlling possession and forcing Sunderland deep into their own half. Wirtz was involved in almost every attacking move, constantly finding pockets of space and setting tempo with intelligent passing.

However, as has become too familiar this season, Liverpool lacked cutting edge in the final third. Several promising sequences broke down due to heavy touches and imprecise decision-making, while Sunderland’s compact defensive shape frustrated the home side.

Against the run of play, Sunderland struck through a well-worked counterattack, exposing Liverpool’s shaky defensive organization. The goal visibly unsettled the Reds, and the atmosphere at Anfield shifted from confident to concerned.

Second Half: Reaction without conviction

Liverpool returned from the break with greater urgency, and it didn’t take long before Wirtz helped bring them level. His involvement in the buildup was decisive, showcasing the elite quality he brings to this squad.

But despite equalizing, Liverpool never looked fully in control. Sunderland continued to threaten in transition, and individual errors at the back nearly gifted the visitors more opportunities. Meanwhile, the Reds’ frontline failed to maintain sustained pressure in the final minutes, with tired legs and poor decision-making preventing any late winner.

The match ended 1-1, a result that will feel like a defeat for Liverpool given the expectations of this fixture.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Alisson Becker – 6/10

Made a few comfortable saves but couldn’t do much about the Sunderland goal. Distribution was steady.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6/10

Advanced frequently but lacked precision in the final third. Defensively caught out once or twice on the counter.

Virgil van Dijk – 6.5/10

Solid in duels, strong aerially, but not as commanding as he needed to be given Sunderland’s direct style.

Ibrahima Konate – 5/10

Occasionally looked shaky and struggled with Sunderland’s quick transitions. Decision-making under pressure was inconsistent.

Andy Robertson – 6/10

Energetic as always but couldn’t provide his usual crossing quality.

Midfield

Wataru Endo – 5.5/10

Did well breaking up play but offered little creatively. Lost the ball in dangerous areas more than once.

Alexis Mac Allister – 4.5/10 (Poor Performance)

A disappointing outing from the Argentine. Struggled with tempo, lost possession multiple times, and failed to control midfield transitions. His lack of sharpness allowed Sunderland too much space and directly contributed to Liverpool’s instability. A performance far below his usual standards.

Florian Wirtz – 8/10 (Man of the Match)

By far Liverpool’s standout performer. Intelligent link-up play, creativity between the lines, and excellent involvement in the equalizer. Wirtz looked like the only player capable of unlocking Sunderland’s structure.

Attack

Luis Díaz – 6/10

Energetic and direct but lacked end product. Several promising dribbles fizzled out.

Mohamed Salah – 5.5/10

Had one or two decent moments but overall struggled to impose himself. Poor movement and predictable runs made him easy to contain.

Darwin Núñez – 6/10

Worked hard and created disruptions but lacked composure in finishing. A frustrating performance.

Substitutes

All came in with energy but none changed the match meaningfully.

Conclusion

Liverpool will see this draw as another missed opportunity in a season already filled with them. Florian Wirtz continues to shine, but the team’s collective inconsistency—and particularly the costly 4.5/10 performance from Mac Allister—once again denied them three points.

Until Liverpool find balance, confidence, and decisiveness, these kinds of results will continue to stall their progress.