A Fading Figure of His Dominant Stature - Van Dijk Battles Decline
The glaring spotlight that has fallen upon one global Liverpool legend shifted to another on Anfield's latest frustrating night.
The Egyptian forward has been under scrutiny for his struggles this campaign - and was consigned to the sidelines for the second successive Premier League game as the Black Cats visited on Wednesday.
But it was captain Virgil van Dijk, a peerless defensive foundation as Liverpool have collected the array of top honors, whose dip in performance came under the microscope during the 1-1 draw.
The Seasoned Stars and New Deals
Van Dijk, 34, and Salah, 33, both signed new lucrative two-year deals in the summer, with not one Liverpool eyebrow raised at the prospect of handing contracts to a experienced stars much approaching the end of their careers than the start.
Indeed, it was a cause of celebration - but now there is no escaping the stark fact that performance has dipped alarmingly for both.
Defensive Vulnerabilities and A Major Overhaul
Liverpool have been susceptible in defence ever since boss Arne Slot and the club's scouting department embarked on a £450m summer rebuild that has yet to prove anything like value for money.
At the same time, Van Dijk has started to lose the sense of being untouchable he has held since his £75m switch from Southampton in January 2018.
Van Dijk has faced additional challenges by defensive partner Ibrahima Konate's loss of form, along with Milos Kerkez not finding his feet at left-back. But the esteemed defender has also fought his own battles, as demonstrated by his desperate handball that resulted in a penalty in the heavy Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
A Sequence That Encapsulated The Issue
It was encapsulated in the 67th minute on Wednesday when Chemsdine Talbi gave Sunderland a deserved lead, Van Dijk losing possession before standing off and turning away on a 25-yard shot that deflected off him and drifted out of the reach of goalkeeper Alisson.
For a defender of such proven caliber, Van Dijk has an curious trait of shying away on the ball, sometimes to Liverpool's disadvantage.
Bad luck at the finale, yes, but it was a situation Van Dijk provoked with his uncharacteristic failure to act decisively, Sunderland's Talbi taking advantage.
"Van Dijk loses the ball and then he just backs off. It's the mistake. 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 doubting himself."
Statistical Decline and A Lack of Command
As with Salah, a player of Van Dijk's pedigree must not be written off after winning two Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two EFL Cups in a stellar Liverpool career.
He has, though, looked a shadow of his usual imperious self this season, with the worst recoveries 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 sole responsibility alone in a Liverpool team full of experience, it was lacking here. No-one was inspiring a team that once again looked bewildered to take control by the scruff of the neck.
Van Dijk's poor display, which ended with him being used as the emergency option of acting as an last-ditch attacker, was indicative of a deeply underwhelming Liverpool performance - which made Sunday's win at West Ham seem like the anomaly rather than the standard.
Liverpool Lacking Inspiration
Slot stayed with the side that ended a run of nine losses in 12 games at London Stadium, Salah once more observing from the sidelines.
The Egyptian emerged at the start of the second half as the Kop looked to him for inspiration. It failed to materialize, with £125m Alexander Isak also anonymous after scoring his first with his first league goal for Liverpool on Sunday.
Slot would have been under greater 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.
A late scare came - but at the other end. Liverpool were only saved from humiliation 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 rounded keeper Alisson.
Praise Deserved and Looking Ahead
Slot and his underperforming defending champions ultimately had to settle for a draw knowing it could have been worse, with Alisson blessed 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 sluggish, unimaginative and short on invention. Even the customary late surge after the equaliser carried minimal threat. Performances like this are the reason their attempt to retain the title has crumbled.
But full acknowledgment for the Reds' struggles on Wednesday must be given to Sunderland, who are being reaping the benefits for a summer of notable ambition in the transfer market, coupled with the excellent coaching of Regis le Bris.
The Black Cats were positive, self-believing and dangerous.
Sunderland are now sixth in the Premier League with 23 points. It is symptomatic of the manner in which they have embraced life in the Premier League that they will be disappointed they left Anfield without adding two more to their tally.
For Slot and Liverpool, it is time for reflection.
