Liverpool were rescued by a late own goal from Nordi Mukiele as they were held to a 1-1 Premier League draw by high-flying Sunderland at Anfield — marking the Reds’ first stalemate in any competition this season.

Looking to avoid consecutive home defeats for the first time since 2012, Liverpool began brightly, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz testing Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs early on. Cody Gakpo also made an impact, but the momentum shifted around the half-hour mark when Trai Hume’s thunderous strike was tipped onto the bar by Alisson.

Sunderland continued pressing, keeping Liverpool on their toes. Just before halftime, Alexis Mac Allister nearly broke the deadlock at the other end, heading Joe Gomez’s cross against the post. That marked the fourth successive Premier League match in which Liverpool failed to score in the first half — a sequence last seen in February 2023 — prompting manager Arne Slot to introduce Mohamed Salah at the break.

The second half began with renewed energy from the hosts, but Sunderland remained a constant threat. Omar Alderete came close with a near-post header that grazed the outside of the upright. The Black Cats’ relentless pressing eventually paid off just over 20 minutes from time. Chemsdine Talbi seized on a wayward pass from Virgil van Dijk and unleashed a powerful strike that deflected off the Liverpool captain and into the far corner, giving Sunderland a shock lead.

Liverpool pressed for an equaliser, and it finally came in the 81st minute. Curtis Jones slid a pass to Wirtz, who weaved into the box and fired a shot that, despite initially appearing off target, deflected heavily off Mukiele and into the net.

Sunderland pushed forward in search of a winner, leaving themselves exposed on the counter. Wilson Isidor broke free but saw his effort blocked on the line by Federico Chiesa, ensuring the points were shared.

While Sunderland will rue the missed chance to claim a historic first win at Anfield since 1983, Liverpool now face questions about their defensive solidity and consistency as the season progresses.