This result means Liverpool are now 6 points clear at the top and Manchester United are now 2 points above the relegation zone. Before hand, Liverpool drawing would have seemed like two points dropped but on the basis of the performance, it was one gained.
Both teams had to deal with injuries before the game. Mo Salah was ruled out, with Divock Origi replacing the Egyptian in the line up, and Axel Tuanzebe picked up a knock in the warm up, with Marcos Rojo called upon.
Liverpool set up with their normal 4-1-2-3 formation but Solskjaer sprung a surprise and played 3-5-2, with Wan-Bissaka and Young on either side pushing up high. United started brighter but Liverpool slowly imposed themselves on the match. Neither side was able to create a clear cut opportunity.
The wide players for United were influential in preventing Liverpool's full backs from bombing forward. Wan-Bissaka and Young pushed back Robertson and Alexander-Arnold which added to Liverpool's frustrating start.
Roberto Firmino had a glorious chance to put Liverpool ahead when the Reds broke at pace but the Brazilian didn't strike the ball well enough to score. A goal did come and on the balance of play, United deserved it. Divock Origi was fouled before James broke down the right and crossed for Rashford to score. VAR didn't overrule Martin Atkinson's decision with Jurgen Klopp irate on the touchline.
More VAR drama ensued as Mane did bring Liverpool level but he was adjudged to have controlled the ball with his arm. At half time, things were going well for Solskjaer with his tactical switch proving difficult for Liverpool to break down.
Wan-Bissaka and Young weren't able to get forward as much in the second half but their positioning still stopped Robertson and Alexander-Arnold from getting into more advanced areas. Time and time again Alexander-Arnold crossed from an extremely deep position which came to nothing.
Klopp switched to a 4-2-3-1 with Henderson on the right wing. Liverpool still struggled to create a golden chance to score and the game continued to ebb away. Oxlade-Chamberlain, Keita and Lallana all came on in the hope that one of them could find a magical moment.
It would be Lallana. Liverpool began to dictate the tempo and Robertson, who had gotten closer to the byline, put in a poor cross but the defending from United was equally poor and Lallana ghosted in at the back post to salvage a draw.
Oxlade-Chamberlain dragged a shot wide and Rashford did the same at 1-0, but the two sides couldn't be separated in the end. It was a dysfunctional display from Liverpool and a much better one from United. James and Rashford caused Liverpool's centre backs problems but slowly Liverpool found a way back and got a goal.
Comments
Post a Comment