A Shadow of His Imperious Self - Liverpool's Captain Fights Waning Influence
The glaring spotlight that has fallen upon one elite Liverpool legend shifted to another on Anfield's latest desperate night.
The Egyptian forward has faced examination for his poor form this season - and was relegated to the sidelines for the second successive Premier League game as the Black Cats arrived on Wednesday.
But it was leader Virgil van Dijk, a peerless defensive rock as Liverpool have secured the array of major trophies, whose struggles came under the microscope during the draw.
The Seasoned Stars and New Deals
Van Dijk, 34, and Salah, 33, both signed high-value two-year deals in the summer, with scarcely a Liverpool question asked at the notion of securing the futures to a veteran duo much approaching the end of their careers than the start.
Indeed, it was a moment of optimism - but now there is no escaping the harsh truth that levels have fallen concerningly for both.
A Leaky Defense and Summer Spending
Liverpool have been vulnerable in defence ever since head coach Arne Slot and the club's transfer committee embarked on a £450m summer overhaul that has still to demonstrate anything like a good return.
At the same time, Van Dijk has started to forfeit the aura of invulnerability he has held since his £75m transfer from Southampton in January 2018.
Van Dijk has received little support by defensive partner Ibrahima Konate's collapse in form, along with Milos Kerkez not finding his feet at left-back. But the esteemed defender has also struggled badly, as highlighted by his desperate handball that resulted in a penalty in the heavyweight Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
A Moment That Summed Up The Issue
It was encapsulated in the 67th minute on Wednesday when Chemsdine Talbi gave Sunderland a well-earned lead, Van Dijk losing possession before standing off and turning his back on a 25-yard shot that struck him and looped out of the reach of goalkeeper Alisson.
For a defender of such proven caliber, Van Dijk has an peculiar tendency of turning away on the ball, sometimes to Liverpool's disadvantage.
Misfortune at the end, yes, but it was a situation Van Dijk invited with his unusual failure to make a decisive move, Sunderland's Talbi capitalising.
"Van Dijk gives the ball away and then he just backs off. It's the wrong decision. He needs to go to the ball. Him not making the decision means that no one else knows what to do."
"Virgil Van Dijk last season was faultless. Every game he was commanding, but right now he's erring and hesitating."
Statistical Decline and A Leadership Void
As with Salah, a player of Van Dijk's caliber must not be written off after claiming two Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two EFL Cups in a illustrious Liverpool career.
He has, though, looked a pale imitation of his usual imperious self this season, with the lowest recovery numbers per game during his Liverpool career, while tackles and interceptions are also down on last season.
And, while leadership should not be Van Dijk's exclusive domain alone in a Liverpool team packed with experience, it was absent here. No-one was motivating a team that once again looked lost to grab the game by the scruff of the neck.
Van Dijk's difficult night, which ended with him being used as the emergency option of acting as an makeshift forward, was indicative of a horribly mediocre Liverpool performance - which made Sunday's win at West Ham seem like the outlier rather than the standard.
A Side Lacking Ideas
Slot persisted with the side that ended a run of nine losses in 12 games at London Stadium, Salah once more watching from the sidelines.
The Egyptian was introduced at the start of the second half as the Kop pinned hopes on him for inspiration. It failed to materialize, with £125m Alexander Isak also anonymous after getting off the mark with his first league goal for Liverpool on Sunday.
Slot would have been under even more pressure had Florian Wirtz's 81st-minute shot not deflected in off Nordi Mukiele to set up what Liverpool hoped would be a grandstand finish.
Late drama came - but at the other end. Liverpool were only avoided defeat in stoppage time when Federico Chiesa's superb tracking back allowed him to turn Sunderland substitute Wilson Isidor's shot off the line after he had beaten keeper Alisson.
Credit Due and Looking Ahead
Slot and his fading champions ultimately had to settle for a draw knowing it could have been worse, with Alisson fortunate to turn Trai Hume's shot onto the bar in the first half before Omar Alderete headed against the post after the interval.
Liverpool were lethargic, unimaginative and devoid of creativity. Even the traditional late rally after the equaliser carried scant belief. Showings like this are the reason their defense of their crown has crumbled.
But huge credit for the Reds' struggles on Wednesday must be given to Sunderland, who are being rewarded for a summer of serious ambition in the transfer market, coupled with the superb management of Regis le Bris.
The Black Cats were adventurous, assured and threatening.
Sunderland are now sixth in the Premier League with 23 points. It is telling of the manner in which they have embraced life in the Premier League that they will be unhappy they left Anfield without adding two more to their tally.
For Slot and Liverpool, it is time for reflection.
