Liverpool battled back to gain a point in a game which saw Liverpool throw away an initial 1-0 lead.
Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard scored the reds goals, either side of a Darren Bent brace.
Roy Hodgson made 11 changes from the mid-week defeat against Northampton Town, and welcomed back Dirk Kuyt who has been missing from the side since picking up an injury whilst on international duty earlier this month.
Liverpool gained some revenge for last season’s beach-ball incident when Michael Turned passed back a weak free kick and Torres pounced, side-footing to Kuyt who fired in to the Kop net on 5 minutes. This was only minutes after Torres himself had a goal ruled out for offside.
Liverpool’s opening play was bright, but gradually Sunderland were allowed to get back in to the game.
As the half wore on Poulsen gave away a penalty after handling the ball and Bent was on hand to equalise for the Black Cats from the spot.
Having scored their first Anfield goal for 10 years, Sunderland soon found themselves on the way to their first Anfield victory in 27 years.
Darren Bent outstretching Glen Johnson to connect with the cross from the right wing to give Sunderland a 2-1 lead.
The reds pushed for the equaliser and it was a Torres cross that eventually found Gerrard to head in to the net.
In injury time Daniel Agger had the best chance to secure victory but his header was tame and went narrowly wide.
Liverpool move to 15th in the league, with 6 points and only one win in 6 games.