Liverpool drew 1-1 with Sunderland at Anfield as Arne Slot’s woes continued after Florian Wirtz’s shot was ruled an own goal and Virgil van Dijk faced criticism
Liverpool’s struggles persisted as they were unable to secure a victory against Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday, meaning Arne Slot’s team have managed only two wins in their past nine games.
After a successful rebound against West Ham last weekend, the Reds were optimistic about defeating the Black Cats on their home turf. However, following a goalless first half, they found themselves behind. Chemsdine Talbi broke the deadlock 66 minutes into the game on Wednesday, putting the visitors on track for a significant win.
But Liverpool managed to scrape a point when Florian Wirtz’s brilliant play led to a shot that ricocheted off Nordi Mukiele and into the net. Wirtz has had a challenging time since his summer transfer, and although he initially believed he’d scored the 80th-minute goal, it was later deemed an own goal. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
Florian Wirtz reacts to own goal
When Wirtz jinked left and right in the penalty area and took his shot in the 80th minute, Sunderland defender Mukiele inadvertently deflected the ball into the net. Wirtz celebrated as if the goal was his, but the goal accreditation panel later ruled it an own goal.
In a live interview with Sky Sports after the draw, Wirtz was told that the goal wasn’t his, which would’ve been his first in English football. His response was commendably positive, reports the Mirror.
When told the news, Wirtz drew a sharp breath and initially replied with a rather deflated: “Yeah.” However, after a moment’s pause he added: “Doesn’t matter today. We drew, we wanted to win, so that’s what counts today so yeah, unlucky.”
Despite his struggles, Wirtz clearly remains in good spirits and whilst the exchange was uncomfortable, it demonstrated that the German consistently maintains a team-first mentality.
Virgil van Dijk singled out
Regarding Sunderland’s goal, one player particularly faced scrutiny – captain Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher examined the goal at full-time for Sky Sports and partially blamed the Dutchman for allowing it.
The former defender said: “Virgil van Dijk turns his back. That goal sums up Liverpool in this game. The performance was really, really worrying. It feels like a step back.
“They didn’t look like scoring. They were lacking zip, energy, pace and power. It’s really worrying.”
At the interval he even declared: “They are sleepwalking through the game, everything feels so slow. Liverpool need to get organised for the second half. There’s far too much space all over the pitch.”
Liverpool hero makes Mohamed Salah claim
Mohamed Salah was benched for the second consecutive league fixture on Wednesday and entered at half-time. Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp suggested on Sky Sports the Egyptian won’t be satisfied with his substitute role and might soon leave.
The former midfielder said: “It does feel like something has to give. There is no way that Mohamed Salah is going to be content with being a bit-part player in this team.
“Whether it is in the summer or January, I think he has earned the right to move on if things don’t go his way. I can only see that outcome.
“I feel like he needs that confidence and love from a manager. It feels like it could come to a head at some point. If you are going to Leeds, thinking you need a goal and want to play the Liverpool style, then Salah has to start.”
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