Liverpool missed an opportunity to return to the highest of the Premier League as troubled Manchester United lastly confirmed some combating spirit in a gritty 0-Zero draw on Sunday. United had Diogo Dalot despatched off for dissent within the last seconds of stoppage time at Anfield, however Liverpool had lengthy since run out of concepts within the face of the guests’ defiant show. Having began the weekend in prime spot, Liverpool kicked off in third place after wins for Arsenal and Aston Villa earlier on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp’s facet dominated a dour conflict in opposition to their hated rivals, however lacked the leading edge required to increase their profitable run within the league to 4 matches. Liverpool sit in second place, one level behind leaders Arsenal forward of their summit assembly with the Gunners at Anfield on Saturday.
Whereas Liverpool have been left pissed off after failing to win at dwelling for the primary time in 12 video games in all competitions, for United the end result was a step in the fitting course after one other dismal week.
Ravaged by accidents and lacking suspended captain Bruno Fernandes, United confirmed the form of tenacity absent for a lot of a turbulent marketing campaign.
Final weekend’s dwelling humbling by Bournemouth was adopted by a 1-Zero defeat in opposition to Bayern Munich on Tuesday that condemned United to a meek Champions League group stage exit.
Erik ten Hag’s crew have been again at Anfield for the primary time since being hammered there 7-Zero in March, an abject give up that ranked among the many most humiliating defeats within the membership’s historical past.
They continue to be and not using a win at Anfield since 2016, however after so many chastening visits over the past seven years, the under-fire Ten Hag left grateful for small mercies as United keep away from extra embarrassment.
Consistent with the poisonous nature of English soccer’s most bitter rivalry, Liverpool have been compelled to “completely condemn” the followers who bombarded United’s crew bus with missiles earlier than the sport, resulting in a window being smashed by a glass bottle.
That ugly scene was adopted by a scrappy recreation equally brief on interesting qualities.
Liverpool have held the higher hand over United lately, however a mix of sloppy passing and stubborn defending halted their progress.
With out a purpose in his final 9 video games, Darwin Nunez could not convert Mohamed Salah’s lobbed cross as he stretched in useless on the far submit.
Salah has loved tormenting United previously and he practically bagged one other purpose at their expense when his close-range effort was deflected broad after Andre Onana failed to carry Nunez’s header.
Liverpool’s territorial dominance produced eight corners within the first 30 minutes, with Virgil van Dijk virtually turning one into the opening purpose as his header was pushed over by Onana.
Ibrahima Konate headed wastefully over from yet one more Liverpool nook, however regardless of the Reds’ sustained stress, United have been organised sufficient to maintain Klopp’s males at bay.
A irritating half for Liverpool ended fittingly when Salah’s strike from a great place inside the world was comfortably saved by Onana.
It was an analogous patten after the interval as Liverpool managed possession and United stubbornly refused to crack.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s low drive ruffled the side-netting earlier than Onana saved Salah’s roller.
Klopp moved Alexander-Arnold into midfield and the right-back went shut with a first-time shot that flashed inches broad from the sting of the world.
United striker Rasmus Hojlund was nameless for lengthy intervals and when he lastly did get a sight of purpose, the Dane shot straight at Alisson Becker after Scott McTominay’s go gave him an excellent alternative to interrupt the impasse.
Onana made a great cease to disclaim Salah after the Egyptian superior menacingly, whereas Luis Diaz’s effort was turned away by Dalot.
Dalot’s constructive contribution was adopted by a useless one when he was proven a second yellow card for berating referee Michael Oliver whereas disputing a throw-in.
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