Liverpool 0-0 Sunderland: Deserved Point Picked Up At Anfield

Sunderland drew for the ninth time this season as they claimed a well deserved point at Anfield as both sides tried hard to find a winner.

Sunderland made an assured start to the game and had a penalty appeal turned down on 2 mins after Larsson’s long ball found Connor Wickham who looked to have the better of Skrtel before going down under his challenge.

And it was Sunderland who were threatening again on 16 mins through Gomez.  A fine passage of possession forced a corner which resulted in the Spaniard firing wide of the goal from the edge of the box.

The Kop had to wait until 23 mins before Liverpool’s first attempt which was headed wide by Lambert after good wing play by Lallana down the right.

Soon after on 25 mins Pantilimon was forced into his first save of the afternoon by denying Coutinho from long range after a mazy run by the Brazilian.

Sunderland again had a penalty appeal waived away on 35 mins after a counter attack led by a strong run from inside his own half by Connor Wickham saw the striker go down in the box, however contact looked minimal.

The best chance of the half undoubtedly fell to Wes Brown on the stroke of half time. A corner from the left was whipped in and met by the onrushing Brown who headed over when he looked likely to score.

The second half started in the same way as the first with Sunderland looking comfortable in possession, and they nearly broke the deadlock on 47 mins through Gomez but his shot deflected narrowly wide.

Sunderland had a golden chance to open the scoring on 52 mins after a corner wasn’t properly cleared. The ball looped into the air and from 10 yards out Wickham volleyed agonizingly wide.

Sunderland were controlling the game and it was Connor Wickham who caused the Liverpool defence more problems on 54 mins. Great control on the chest created the chance for himself but his deflected effort hit the side netting.

As the game wore on Sunderland were sitting deeper and deeper and they nearly paid the price for this on 75 mins after a fantastic run by Sterling set up Coutinho but his shot was well saved by Pantilimon.

This seemed to liven Sunderland up and they responded through Gomez on 80 mins. Great hold up play from Wickham allowed Buckley to set up Gomez and his rasping shot stung the gloves of Mignolet.

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mignolet, Moreno, Skrtel, Toure, Johnson, Lucas, Henderson (c), Coutinho (Markovic 77’), Lallana (Gerrard 67’), Lambert, Sterling.

Subs: Jones, Enrique, Lovren, Allen, Markovic, Gerrard, Can.

Goals: None

Sunderland (4-3-3): Pantilimon, Vergini, Reveillere, O'Shea (c), Brown, Bridcutt, Larsson (Cattermole 69’), Gomez, Johnson (Buckley 78’), Wickham, Altidore (Alvarez 69’).

Subs: Mannone, Robson, Cattermole, Rodwell, Buckley, Alvarez, Fletcher.

Goals: None