Liverpool 2-2 Sunderland: Reds stunned in late collapse

Roberto Firmino provided a goal and assist as the hosts looked to be cruising to an easy win before Adam Johnson and Jermain Defoe struck back in the final stages

Liverpool collapsed from a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Premier League strugglers Sunderland on Saturday.

With manager Jurgen Klopp a late withdrawal from the game due to a bout of appendicitis, the Reds looked just as sluggish as their relegation-threatened opponents in a turgid first half but cranked it up a level after the break and soon made the breakthrough.

A fine cross from the left wing by James Milner, aimed deep in towards the far post, picked out Roberto for a firm header as the Brazilian continued his fine recent form in front of goal.

The impressive Firmino was not done there, turning provider after 69 minutes for Lallana to tap in as the Reds capitalised on their chances coming thick and fast.

However, the mood turned in the closing stages as, moments after swathes of the home crowd began a mass walkout over ticket prices, Adam Johnson netted a free-kick for the Black Cats.

Seven minutes later, Jermain Defoe beat Mamadou Sakho all ends up to find space for a shot past Simon Mignolet, sending an already quieter Anfield into shock.







While Allardcye recalled Duncan Watmore and handed Wahbi Khazri his first Sunderland start, Liverpool's only change saw Joe Allen replace Lucas Leiva in midfield.

The hosts' recent injury troubles have been well documented and they were dealt an early blow when Dejan Lovren was forced off. After Kolo Toure replaced the Croatia international, Liverpool enjoyed the game's first spell of pressure as Alberto Moreno delivered a dangerous cross before seeing a low effort saved by Vito Mannone.

Sunderland were then forced into a change as Dame N'Doye replaced Watmore after the winger landed awkwardly on his right foot.

Firmino sent two efforts over the crossbar from distance before the break but Liverpool's frustrations continued as Allen limped off injured before half-time and was replaced by Jordon Ibe.

Ibe added much needed pace and trickery as Liverpool remained on the front foot after the interval, Firmino going close again before eventually getting on the scoresheet. The Brazilian peeled away from his marker and diverted Milner's deep left-wing delivery back across goal on the hour to lift the mood at Anfield.

Patrick van Aanholt found the side netting when clean through on goal but Firmino showed endeavour to hound Billy Jones into a mistake before selflessly squaring for Lallana to tap in and seemingly settle matters.

But, after sections of the home support streamed out in protest, the visitors roared back as Johnson gave Sunderland hope with a free-kick that crept past Mignolet at the goalkeeper's near post.

And, after strong running from Van Aanholt and Khazri down the left, Defoe turned smartly and finished clinically to earn Sunderland the most unlikely of points amid audible boos from those who remained at Anfield.