Liverpool failed to make it three consecutive wins in the Premier League on Saturday with a goalless draw at home to Sunderland.

The best chance of the first half fell to Sunderland defender Wes Brown, but he headed over from a corner in stoppage time as the hosts struggled to get a grip on the game.

Brendan Rodgers's side improved after the break, though Sunderland were able to absorb some late pressure and hold on for a share of the spoils.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the individual performances of those involved in the match at Anfield.

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LIVERPOOL

Goal

Simon Mignolet: Did not have an awful lot to do throughout the match, but made a couple of decent saves when he was called into action against his former club. (7/10)

Defence

Glen Johnson: Got involved in a few of his side's attacks with some good runs down the right flank. However, he struggled at the other end of the pitch against the dynamic Connor Wickham. (6/10)

Martin Skrtel: Looked ropey on more than one occasion. Committed a couple of fouls that were clumsy and put the hosts under unnecessary pressure. (6/10)

Kolo Toure: Was far more solid than his defensive partner, though the experienced Ivorian also found life difficult against the likes of Jozy Altidore and Connor Wickham. (7/10)

Alberto Moreno: Has clearly improved in terms of his positional awareness, making sure that he is back when needed. Kept Adam Johnson at bay for much of the game. (7/10)

Midfield

Lucas Leiva: Anchored Liverpool's midfield well, making sure that his more attacking teammates could get forward when they needed to. (7/10)

Jordan Henderson: Despite being named captain in the absence of Steven Gerrard, Henderson was poor for much of the 90 minutes. Offered very little going forward and often appeared lost in deeper positions. (5/10)

Adam Lallana: An inconsistent afternoon for the midfielder, who drifted in and out of the game far too often when he should have been giving Liverpool more dynamism in forward areas. (6/10)

Philippe Coutinho: On a day when the hosts were crying out for a creative force in midfield, Coutinho failed to impress. Rarely did anything of worth with the ball. (5/10)

Raheem Sterling: The winger was lively in fits and starts, making the odd burst down the right wing, but he was mostly underwhelming. (6/10)

Attack

Rickie Lambert: Was starved of service up front due to the lack of creativity behind him. Had one or two sniffs of goal, though these were only half-chances at best. (6/10)

Substitutes

Steven Gerrard: Came on with 25 minutes remaining to give the home side a shot in the arm with some positive passing and movement, but this was not enough to help them over the line. (6/10)

Lazar Markovic: Got involved in a few attacks late on as Liverpool pushed for a winner. However, the summer signing still looks like he's getting used to the pace of the English game. (6/10)

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SUNDERLAND

Goal

Costel Pantillimon: Proved to be a safe pair of hands between the sticks for the visitors, keeping out a couple of shots with confidence. (7/10)

Defence

Santiago Vergini: The Argentine struggled at times, in particular during the first half when he lost his discipline up against Raheem Sterling, though he also played his part in keeping the hosts out after the break. (6/10)

John O'Shea: Sunderland's skipper led by example, putting his body on the line to thwart Liverpool in the second half when the home side cranked up the pressure. (7/10)

Wes Brown: Worked well with O'Shea, using his experience to frustrate Liverpool and give his side a solid foundation at the back. (7/10)

Anthony Reveillere: Did not always look as if he knew what he was doing, but the Frenchman did enough at the back to help his side. (6/10)

Midfield

Liam Bridcutt: Put in an impressive shift in midfield, showing great energy and determination to make life difficult for Liverpool's creative players. (7/10)

Sebastian Larsson: Struggled to get involved in a few of Sunderland's attacking moves, but he made up for that by putting in some great crosses from the right. (6/10)

Jordi Gomez: Enjoyed a couple of sights of goal that had the home side worried. Also linked well with his teammates in advanced areas. (7/10)

Adam Johnson: For all of Sunderland's impressive attacking play, the winger was surprisingly subdued before he was brought off with 12 minutes left. (5/10)

Connor Wickham: Offered the visitors a great deal on the left wing with his powerful running and clever movement, further proving that he is perfectly comfortable in that position. Could have got his name on the scoresheet were it not for some wayward finishing. (8/10)

Attack

Jozy Altidore Was made to look far more at home as the lone striker than Rickie Lambert at the other end of the pitch. Held up the ball well and gave the Liverpool defence lots to think about with his physicality. (7/10)

Substitutes

Ricky Alvarez: Tried hard to make things happen when he came off the bench just after the hour, making sure that he got forward whenever he could. (6/10)

Lee Cattermole: Bolstered the Sunderland midfield during the final 25 minutes and did his bit late on as Liverpool pressed. (6/10)

Will Buckley: Got booked almost as soon as he entered the action with around 10 minutes left. Did little after that. (5/10)