A Shadow of His Imperious Self - Liverpool's Captain Fights A Dip in Form
The intense focus that has been trained on one elite Liverpool icon switched to another on Anfield's fresh frustrating night.
The Egyptian forward has come under fire for his struggles this campaign - and was placed on the bench for the second successive Premier League game as Sunderland visited on Wednesday.
But it was leader Virgil van Dijk, a peerless defensive foundation as Liverpool have swept up the full collection of major trophies, whose dip in performance became the focus during the 1-1 draw.
The Seasoned Stars and New Deals
Van Dijk, 34, and Salah, 33, both inked new lucrative two-year deals in the summer, with scarcely a Liverpool question asked at the notion of handing contracts to a veteran duo much closer to the end of their careers than the start.
Indeed, it was a reason for joy - but now there is no denying the stark fact that performance has dipped concerningly for both.
Backline Issues and A Costly Refit
Liverpool have been vulnerable in defence ever since boss Arne Slot and the club's transfer committee undertook a ÂŁ450m summer refit that has yet to prove anything like its worth.
Concurrently, Van Dijk has started to forfeit the aura of invulnerability he has held since his ÂŁ75m switch from Southampton in January 2018.
Van Dijk has faced additional challenges by fellow defender Ibrahima Konate's collapse in form, along with Milos Kerkez failing to settle at left-back. But the renowned star has also had significant difficulties, as proved by his rash handball that resulted in a penalty in the significant Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
A Moment That Encapsulated The Problem
It was captured in the 67th minute on Wednesday when Chemsdine Talbi gave Sunderland a well-earned lead, Van Dijk losing possession before backing away and turning away on a 25-yard shot that struck him and drifted out of the reach of goalkeeper Alisson.
For a defender of such undoubted greatness, Van Dijk has an curious trait of turning his back on the ball, sometimes to Liverpool's disadvantage.
Ill fortune at the finale, yes, but it was a situation Van Dijk courted with his uncharacteristic failure to act decisively, Sunderland's Talbi seizing the moment.
"Van Dijk surrenders possession and then he just drops off. It's the incorrect choice. 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 imperious, but right now he's erring and doubting himself."
The Numbers and Missing Leadership
As with Salah, a player of Van Dijk's pedigree must not be dismissed after winning two Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two EFL Cups in a glittering Liverpool career.
He has, though, looked a pale imitation of his usual imperious self this season, with the worst recoveries per game during his Liverpool career, while defensive actions are also down on last season.
And, while leadership should not be Van Dijk's exclusive domain alone in a Liverpool team brimming with experience, it was absent here. No-one was inspiring a team that once again looked clueless to grab the game by the initiative.
Van Dijk's difficult night, which ended with him being used as the desperate measure of acting as an last-ditch attacker, was indicative of a distinctly poor Liverpool performance - which made Sunday's win at West Ham seem like the exception rather than the norm.
Liverpool Devoid of Ideas
Slot kept faith with the side that halted a run of nine losses in 12 games at London Stadium, Salah once more observing from the sidelines.
The Egyptian came on at the start of the second half as the Kop turned to him for inspiration. It was not forthcoming, with ÂŁ125m Alexander Isak also quiet 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 been turned in off Nordi Mukiele to set up what Liverpool hoped would be a thrilling finale.
Stoppage-time tension 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.
Praise Deserved and Looking Ahead
Slot and his underperforming defending champions ultimately had to accept the point 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, ponderous and short on invention. Even the traditional late rally after the equaliser carried little conviction. Performances like this are the reason their attempt to retain the title has collapsed.
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 superb management of Regis le Bris.
The Black Cats were adventurous, self-believing and a genuine threat.
Sunderland are now sixth in the Premier League with 23 points. It is indicative of the manner in which they have grown into 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.
