What Federico Chiesa did spoke volumes as Mohamed Salah Liverpool message sent

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Ian Doyle with the talking points after Liverpool came from behind to earn a Premier League 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland on Wednesday eveningThe popularity of no player among Liverpool supporters is as disproportionate to their minutes played as Federico Chiesa. The acclaim, though, was universal during injury time here.Chiesa’s sprint towards his own goal that allowed him to clear off the line didn’t just prevent substitute Wilson Isidor from netting a dramatic late winner.It also underlined the kind of effort and steely spirit not to be beaten the Reds are going to require if they are to breathe life into their Premier League campaign before it is too late.Chiesa’s lively cameo was another indication of his effectiveness from the bench, even if the evidence as a starter is less compelling.But Arne Slot will hope that enthusiasm and desire becomes infectious throughout a squad that hasn’t always made clear those attributes this season.With the defence of the title having already been realistically surrendered given the form of runaway leaders Arsenal, expectations have shifted to ensuring Champions League qualification.And this result, while hardly ideal, actually closed the gap on the top four to just two points.The road to redemption for the Reds will not be without bumps this campaign.

But Federico Chiesa’s intervention has underlined what it will take.Salah results mixedThe dropping of Mohamed Salah has prompted much continued debate. But for Slot one matter was unequivocal – Dominik Szoboszlai is not the long-term answer for Liverpool on the right wing.Nevertheless, the Hungarian remained on the flank for the visit of Sunderland with Salah, his face covered to protect from the biting December cold, again watching on from the bench.That lasted as long as the interval, when the sight of the Egyptian being put through his paces was precursor to his inclusion for the second half in place of Cody Gakpo.The huge cheers that greeted Salah’s introduction and the subsequent airing of his trademark song from the Kop highlighted he remains very much a favourite with the fanbase.And while only showing a few glimpses of his top form, Salah's energetic display was one of a player who wants to regain his place.While Szoboszlai became more influential when moved to the middle and Florian Wirtz maintained his level, the one player to suffer from the changes was Alexander Isak.The Swede has been reasonable enough in the first half but disappeared from view almost completely after the break, with one weak attempt to win a header in midfielder drawing the ire of the crowd.

Clearly, it will take more than one goal to truly unlock the forward’s undoubted potential.Fortress Anfield missingThe new, safety-first Liverpool may not win any points for style. But going back to basics has allowed a number of players to rebuild brittle confidence.At least that’s how it appeared during a largely forgettable first half in which centre-back duo Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, as at West Ham on Sunday, opted not to over-complicate their defending.Konate, in particular, has benefited from simplifying his game after a harrowing recent run of under-par performances.Yet such is the pattern for Liverpool at present that both made unnecessary errors as Sunderland looked for joy on the counter in the second half.Konate, after a misdirected header allowed Brian Brobbey a clear run at goal, was at least bailed out by an Alexis Mac Allister interception.Van Dijk, though, wasn’t so fortunate, playing a loose ball into midfield and then seeing Chemsdine Talbi’s resultant shot strike him and wrongfoot Alisson Becker for the opener.To their credit, neither player appeared overly affected with Van Dijk making one vital clearing header during the closing stages.Liverpool, though, have now kept just three clean sheets in their last 16 home games.