Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted his team has lost their fear factor after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday.
The Premier League champions have now gone three home games without a win. Sunderland looked set for a rare victory at Anfield—their first since 1983—when Chemsdine Talbi’s deflected goal put them ahead. Liverpool only equalized when Nordi Mukiele accidentally deflected Florian Wirtz’s shot into his own net. Late in stoppage time, Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor missed a golden chance, with Federico Chiesa clearing the ball off the line.
Since starting the season with five straight wins, Liverpool have only won two of their last nine games.
“Teams that play us now think they can get a result,” Slot said. “And it’s not just thinking—they’ve actually shown it this season. Even in the games we’ve won, it hasn’t been easy, and that gives other teams confidence.”
Mohamed Salah sat on the bench again, while Wirtz and Alexander Isak failed to live up to their high transfer fees. Salah came on in the second half but struggled to break down Sunderland’s well-organized defense.
