This Sunday, one of the Premier League’s must-sees took place at Anfield. Indeed, solid leader of the Premier League, Liverpool hosted Manchester United, one of the other juggernauts on the other side of the Channel. However, the Red Devils arrived with much less certainty than their opponents of the day. Despite the arrival of Ruben Amorim in November, the Mancuniens continued to have a series of poor performances and remained on four defeats in a row in all competitions. On both sides, the standard teams were lined up and everything was there to witness a real shock where each of the two teams absolutely needed a victory.
Liverpool
2
59′
C.Gakpo
70′ (sp)
Mohamed Salah
Man United
2
52′
Lisandro Martinez
80′
A. Diallo
finished
In difficult playing conditions – snow had fallen on Liverpool earlier in the day – the start of the match was sluggish. Despite many inaccuracies in the build-up, Liverpool quickly took the lead in the game. Despite this, the first opportunities for Arne Slot’s men were quite timid like the strikes from Gakpo (14th) and Mac Allister ( 16th). Opposite, the opportunities were becoming more and more rare and the Mancunian attackers seemed uninspired like a transparent Hojlund and an Amad Diallo who just misdirected his head (20th). Ultimately, it was the visitors who finished the first half better, notably with an opportunity from Hojlund against Alisson (41st) which confirmed the Red Devils’ first consistent period.
Liverpool and Manchester United engaged in a great battle in the second half
Upon returning from the locker room, the intensity increased a notch between the two squads who engaged in fiercer duels in the conquest of the ball. In this sense, Manchester United showed an appreciable fighting spirit which allowed them to take the advantage against all odds. Symbol of this self-sacrifice, Lisandro Martínez went to recover a high ball. Remaining at the forefront, the Argentine defender was perfectly served by Bruno Fernandes and did not hesitate to send a mine which hit the bar before returning (0-1, 52nd). A scoring advantage that did not last long for the Red Devils. Faced with a stung Scousers, the defense gave in on Cody Gakpo’s first inspiration. Hit on the left, the Dutch winger penetrated, delivered a killer hook to De Ligt before sending a supersonic strike under the crossbar (1-1, 59th).
A goal which invigorated all the Liverpool people at Anfield and which allowed Liverpool to drive home the point. On a new offensive, Matthijs De Ligt, in great difficulty this afternoon, countered a harmless hand strike. From the penalty spot, Mohamed Salah was uncompromising to score and give his team the advantage (2-1, 69th). Overthrown in ten minutes, Manchester United did not give up. With the impactful entry of Alejandro Garnacho, the visitors rushed to attack and their self-sacrifice paid off. On a precise cross from the young Argentinian, Amad Diallo, heroic against City a few weeks ago, did it again by appearing out of nowhere to equalize (2-2, 80th). At the end of the match, the two teams did not hide and attacked, but thanks in particular to the saving saves of André Onana, the score did not change. With this draw, Liverpool maintain a comfortable lead in the standings. First, Liverpool remain six points ahead of Arsenal with a game in hand. For their part, Manchester United can pride themselves on having shown real strength of character to achieve a draw. A valuable point which allows them to reach 13th place and avoid a fifth consecutive defeat.
