Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by Sunderland at Anfield, with the Reds once again struggling to break down a deep defensive block from the visitors.
The Black Cats took the lead in the 67th minute when 20-year-old Chemsdine Talbi fired from distance, with his effort deflecting off captain Virgil van Dijk and beating Alisson Becker. Some supporters questioned Van Dijk’s decision to drop off instead of stepping out to close Talbi down, but head coach Arne Slot defended the Dutchman’s actions.
Slot explained:
“When they have the ball free from 30–35 yards, it’s smarter to take away the space first.
If you step out too early, the opposition will try to exploit the gap.
Virgil did what he had to do, and it was just unlucky that it took a deflection.”
The draw means Liverpool have now failed to win 10 matches in all competitions this season and have dropped points in their last three home games. Despite that, Slot insisted that Anfield has not lost its fear factor, although he admits teams now believe they can get a result against the Reds.
“It’s clear that teams facing us now think they can get something — and the results this season have shown that,”
Slot added.
Liverpool dominated the second half but were repeatedly forced to defend long balls, set-pieces and throw-ins. Slot noted that avoiding a concession from a set-piece was “at least one positive” as his side were forced to settle for just a point.
