Match Analysis: Sunderland 1-1 Liverpool

Sunderland remain without a league win this season – or indeed in 11 games – after drawing 1-1 with Liverpool at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Liverpool, who are also yet to win this season, dominated the opening stages before falling behind to a strike from Steven Fletcher after 29 minutes.

The away side rallied in the second period, however, and forced an equaliser late on when Luis Suarez converted after smart work from Raheem Sterling.

With that in mind, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two sides.

Match statistics:

Sunderland:
Shots 6
On target 4
Possession 48%
Corners 2
Fouls 18

Liverpool:
Shots 20
On target 9
Possession 52%
Corners 7
Fouls 10

Was the result fair?

Even the most hardened Sunderland fan would admit that they were lucky to gain a point this evening. Fletcher's strike after 29 minutes was their first effort of the match, while they rode their luck as Liverpool twice hit the post in the second period. It would have been a travesty if Liverpool had lost the match – and the statistics say that the Reds deserved all three points.

Sunderland's performance

5/10. Sunderland remain unbeaten this season with three draws to their name, but their lack of attacking intent will have worried Martin O'Neill. Granted they were without Adam Johnson, but they simply did not create enough chances. Luckily in Fletcher they have someone who does not need two chances to find the back of the net. The positives? They defended well and worked extremely hard.

Liverpool's performance

6/10. The Premier League table says that Liverpool have lost two and drawn two of their first four league matches, but they were much improved at the Stadium of Light. However, their continuous wasting of chances will be a genuine concern for the club's fans. In truth, they dominated the entire 90 minutes – and there were certainly positive signs.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Raheem Sterling: The 17-year-old was just brilliant this evening. He had a difficult opening half due to the performance of Danny Rose, but he exploded in the second period with a fine assist and a host of attacking runs.

Biggest gaffe of the match

Glen Johnson is a really good attacker, but his defensive performances rarely convince. He was easily sidestepped by Craig Gardner in the build-up to Sunderland's opening goal, while he continually found himself out of position.

Referee's performance

It was quite a difficult evening for Martin Atkinson. He might have awarded Liverpool a penalty in the opening period, but booked Suarez instead - although the decision could have gone either way. Meanwhile, he did let the game flow among a host of tasty challenges.

What next?

Sunderland: Sunderland continue their search for their first league win of the season as they visit West Ham United next Saturday.

Liverpool: Liverpool open their Europa League campaign against Young Boys on Thursday before the small matter of Manchester United in the league at home on Sunday.