LIVERPOOL HAD TO be content with a single point this afternoon after two Jermaine Defoe penalties earned Sunderland a point in an absorbing 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light.
Liverpool had the opportunity to tighten Chelsea’s lead at the top of the Premier League to three points, but now sit five points adrift, with Chelsea a game in hand.
Both keepers were given plenty to do early on, with Mannone getting down well to his right to keep out Sturridge, while Georginio Wijnaldum’s curling effort moments later needed palming over the crossbar.
Simon Mignolet similarly had to dive to keep an effort out from former Everton man Jack Rodwell.
Daniel Sturridge opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a looping header past Vito Mannone from close range.
Liverpool’s lead lasted just six minutes, though, with Defoe tucking a penalty inside the left-hand post after Didier Ndong was brought down by a combination of Wijnaldum and Ragnar Klavan in the box.
Defoe then squandered an opportunity to put the home side in front when he failed to navigate a way around Mignolet after being sent through on goal, and Fabio Borini’s attempts to pick up the pieces amounted to a poor strike that went well wide.
Another two Sturridge shots from range kept Mannone busy before the break, but goalscoring opportunities were in short supply early in the second half.
Sunderland had a penalty shout in the second half, when Emre Can’s arm appeared to have struck the ball. However, referee Anthony Taylor waved play on.
The teams were level until the 72nd minute, when Sadio Mane put the Reds in front once again, before another Jermain Defoe penalty brought the sides level again in the 84th minute.
The result still has Liverpool in second place, but making life hard for themselves, while Sunderland claimed a valuable point to nestle them one point adrift of safety.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
