Liverpool, under Jurgen Klopp, improved their game significantly in recent years and emerged as prime Premier League contenders alongside Manchester City. But they had a massive test awaiting this afternoon at Old Trafford against a rejuvenated Manchester United side. The Reds had failed to script a victory at the Theatre of Dreams since 2014 and therefore were cautious prior to this gruesome contest.
The Anfield encounter resulted in a 3-1 win for Liverpool, but they failed to take advantage of United’s injury woes, and a passive display from Klopp’s men resulted in a scoreless draw after 90 minutes of an engaging encounter. The stalemate assisted Liverpool to get back at the top of the Premier League standings. However, they are now just a point clear off second-placed Manchester City who have been ruthless lately.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their disappointing draw against Manchester United.
Alisson Becker: 8
Made a decisive stop to deny Jesse Lingard spectacularly late in the first half. The flamboyant Brazilian earned his clean sheet and secured at least a point against the fierce rivals.
James Milner: 5
Was handed a surprise start as a right fullback in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold. But the veteran had a rare disappointing occasion as he lacked composure while taking the ball out of the defence. He was also poor with his crosses and set-pieces and made some needless fouls which could have troubled the Merseysiders.
Joel Matip: 7.5
Impressed once again in a central defensive role. Dribbled past United midfield early on and earned a free-kick just outside the box. Put the ball back into his own net late in the game which, however, was ruled out for offside and relieved the ex-Schalke man.
Virgil van Dijk: 7.5
Missed out the Bayern game due to suspension but returned to the starting XI for this Premier League fixture. Was towering as always in the heart of Liverpool backline as he made some crucial blocks, aerial clearances and interceptions to nullify the hosts’ attacking threats.
Andrew Robertson: 6.5
Another balanced display from the Scotsman even though he had some nervy occasions defensively against Lukaku. Made overlapping runs, tried to link up with Sadio Mane. But the latter’s lack of penetration wasted an array of build-ups from the left flank.
Fabinho: 7.5
Orchestrated the game from a central role and did exceptionally well to win back possession and distribute it down the wide areas. Often found his teammates high up the pitch with his passing skills, but a lack of creativity upfront saw his efforts going in vain.
Jordan Henderson: 6.5
The skipper was very physical, combative as well as destructive from the very beginning of the game. Should have been more courageous with his forward balls in the second half as he failed to create enough space in the attacking third with his runs, passing and pressing game. Looked dejected while being taken off and replaced by Xherdan Shaqiri.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7.5
The Dutchman was excellent in the centre of the pitch. Showed great physical strength to hold the ball under pressure and draw the opponents towards him to create space for his teammates. Needs to working on his shooting though.
Mohamed Salah: 5.5
A dismal outing from the Egyptian as he failed to create anything noteworthy despite having the ball on his feet down the right flank. Firmino’s early exit made it more difficult for him to combine upfront and was eventually taken off to be replaced by Divock Origi late in the game.
Sadio Mane: 5.5
Had a bright start but faded off with time and his lack of creativity made things look easy for Ashley Young while defending from the right.
Roberto Firmino: 6
Was lively in early minutes with his pressing, winning back possessions and smart one-twos. But an injury early on saw him leaving the pitch to make way for Daniel Sturridge.
Substitutes
Daniel Sturridge: 4.5
Brought in the first half in place of injured Firmino. But the Englishman was highly disappointing as he failed to threaten the United backline at all. Lacked pace and never showed the urgency to press and put the hosts under pressure while playing it out from the deep defence.
Xherdan Shaqiri: 5
Scored a brace in the reverse tie after coming on as a second-half substitute. But the Swiss star failed to replicate the same this time and could not alter the scoreline.
Divock Origi: 5
Had a few decent runs, but his end product and lack of imagination resulted in nothing spectacular upfront.
