Sunderland fully deserved the point they secured at Anfield – and few could have complained had they left with victory.
The superb management of Regis le Bris, matched with a summer of ambition in the transfer market, has reaped rich rewards as they stand sixth in the Premier League with 23 points.
Sunderland were positive from the start, never allowing Liverpool to build any momentum as they were sound in possession and a danger throughout.
Backed by their noisy fans on a freezing Merseyside night, and with 33-year-old Granit Xhaka once again showing what a masterstroke signing he has been with his experience and control in midfield, Sunderland were fearless.
Even with Liverpool threatening a late rally, Sunderland held firm without alarms, with keeper Robin Roefs giving off an air of calm.
If there is a disappointment, it is that Sunderland will feel they should have scored a dramatic winner deep into injury time when Isidor ran clear – but tried to round Liverpool keeper Alisson, allowing Federico Chiesa to scramble the ball off the line.
This, however, was another night of real promise for Sunderland, who continue to grow as a Premier League side.
