After the draw conceded in the final moments by Manchester City against Crystal Palace on Saturday (2-2), the competitors had a clear field to take the lead in the Premier League at the end of this 17th day. If Arsenal had temporarily taken control after beating Brighton (2-0), Liverpool had the opportunity to move ahead by winning against a Manchester United team still sick and dropped to 8th place in the standings.
Overall Premier League standings
|
#
|
Team
|
Pts
|
J
|
DIF
|
G
|
NOT
|
D
|
BP
|
B.C.
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
|
39 |
17 |
20 |
12 |
3 |
2 |
35 |
15 |
|
2 |
|
38 |
17 |
21 |
11 |
5 |
1 |
36 |
15 |
|
3 |
|
38 |
17 |
16 |
12 |
2 |
3 |
37 |
21 |
|
4 |
|
34 |
17 |
20 |
10 |
4 |
3 |
40 |
20 |
See the full ranking
Jürgen Klopp’s Reds started the game very well and took advantage of a certain excitement in the Mancunian area, like a first alert on an action by Salah (16th). But the game then got bogged down and the two teams were unable to create a clear chance. We will have to wait for a set piece to see Onana save the Red Devils in front of a beautiful header from Van Dijk (28th).
Liverpool came up against the Red Devils block
The second half started again on the same basis, with a Reds team still coming up against the solid block of the Red Devils. Manchester United even had a good counter-attack situation, but Alexander-Arnold narrowly recovered in front of Garnacho (55th). The match then got carried away in the last half hour, with Mancunian’s best chance coming from Hojlund, but Alisson was able to push back (67th). Just behind, Onana could still save his team in front of Salah (69th).
But ultimately, Reds and Red Devils could not decide between themselves. A contentious little hand from Shaw in the area could perhaps save Liverpool, but the referee did not flinch (86th). With a little regret, the Reds leave Anfield Road with a draw and offer first place in the Premier League to Arsenal. And this is very good, since the Gunners will go to Liverpool for a huge shock for first place, just before Christmas. Manchester United remain in 7th place and will next go to West Ham.
