Wirtz sparkles as Liverpool salvage late point against Sunderland in 1-1 draw

Florian Wirtz’s rescued a point for Liverpool, though he was denied a first Premier League goal after his late strike was ruled a Nordi Mukiele own goal.

The Germany international skipped past two defenders and fired home via a deflection nine minutes from time to secure a 1–1 draw with Sunderland, easing pressure on head coach Arne Slot after he left Mohamed Salah out of successive league matches for the first time in his Liverpool tenure.

According to ESPN, Sunderland looked set for a first win at Anfield in 42 years when Chemsdine Talbi struck from long range in the 67th minute — a goal celebrated wildly by former Black Cats striker Kevin Phillips alongside the travelling fans.

Wirtz, who impressed in Sunday’s win at West Ham, again looked lively, gliding through the Sunderland defence to earn Liverpool a point in front of the Kop.

The 22-year-old — who could ultimately cost the club £116 million — was among the few of Liverpool’s £450 million summer intake who caught the eye.

Despite scoring his first league goal on Sunday, British record signing Alexander Isak endured a frustrating night.

A wayward first-half strike into the Anfield Road end was met with jeers from the away support, and he failed to offer the sharpness expected as Salah’s long-term successor.

Salah made little impact after being introduced at half-time. With the Africa Cup of Nations starting in 10 days, his imminent departure may spare Slot further selection questions.

Sunderland created the better chances in the first half.

Trai Hume’s drive slipped through Alisson Becker’s fingers and onto the crossbar, and Liverpool were limited to late efforts from Dominik Szoboszlai — parried by goalkeeper Robin Roefs — and an Alexis Mac Allister header against the post.

Salah returned with intent after the break, but Liverpool’s defensive vulnerability persisted.

Omar Alderete hit the outside of a post before Talbi struck again, Ibrahima Konaté misjudging a header and Virgil van Dijk gifting possession to Enzo Le Fée, who teed up Talbi for a deflected finish past Alisson.

Wirtz later levelled, and Liverpool almost snatched defeat in stoppage time, Federico Chiesa clearing off the line from a Wilson Isidor counter-attack.

Liverpool were ultimately grateful for a point on a night when their new era under Slot showed both promise and fragility.

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