Florian Wirtz delivers but lacklustre Liverpool are held by Sunderland

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It was the 94th minute and Federico Chiesa was waving his arms in front of Liverpool fans, rejoicing not in delivering a victory befitting his job as a striker but in saving the Premier League champions from certain defeat. Sunderland should consider their point at Anfield as an opportunity missed.Chiesa’s celebration followed his goalline clearance to deny Sunderland a first win at Anfield since October 1983.

His team were staring at a 10th defeat in 14 games when Wilson Isidor, on as a Sunderland substitute, raced through from goalkeeper Robin Roefs’s smart pass and rounded Alisson in the Liverpool goal. “It is our debut in this league and I think we are learning fast.” Le Bris’s assessment was more accurate than his opposite number’s.Few could have predicted that the newly promoted Sunderland would be above the reigning champions in the table come December but they showed why in a high-tempo, confident opening.

Close support from Noah Sadiki and Enzo Le Fée ensured the Liverpool defence were never comfortable in the first half.Chemsdine Talbi’s shot flies beyond Alisson to give Sunderland the lead. Alisson could only push Hume’s effort on to his crossbar and was relieved to see the rebound bounce clear.Liverpool promised only in flashes.