Liverpool fear factor gone, admits Slot

Arne Slot, the Liverpool manager, admitted that his team has shed its intimidating aura amid a tough spell, as Sunderland claimed a 1-1 draw at Anfield on Wednesday.

The Premier League title holders have now drawn a blank in three straight home fixtures, needing an own goal from Nordi Mukiele to claw back a share of the spoils against the Black Cats.

Sunderland appeared set to secure their first triumph at Anfield in over four decades following Chemsdine Talbis deflected effort that put them ahead.

Despite Mukieles mishap in turning Florian Wirtzs attempt into his own goal to level the scores, Wilson Isidor squandered a prime opportunity to clinch victory for the away side, with his late shot blocked on the line by Federico Chiesa.

Following a perfect start with victories in their first five league outings this campaign, Liverpool have managed just two successes in the nine matches that followed.

Teams facing us these days believe they can claim a positive outcome, Slot remarked. It is more than mere belief, as recent results have proven it this term.

Even in our victories, we have boosted the belief among opponents that an upset is feasible, since those triumphs were far from straightforward.

Slot had hoped the recent 2-0 success over West Ham on Sunday signalled a turnaround, but that notion was soon quashed.

Mohamed Salah remained an unused substitute for the second match running, while Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak once more fell short of justifying their combined transfer fees exceeding £100 million.

Though Salah entered the fray at the beginning of the second half, he too found it difficult to influence proceedings against Sunderlands solid backline.

I was aware beforehand that Sunderland would be tough to penetrate for goals or opportunities, Slot continued.

It was a match with few chances at either end, and we were unfortunate with the goal against us. That deflection could have looped anywhere, yet during our current rough patch, it found the net.