Liverpool played hosts to Manchester United earlier this evening looking to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table. The Reds made a dominant start to the match and got themselves ahead in the 14th minute courtesy of Virgil Van Dijk’s emphatic header. The Merseyside giants created a plethora of chances but were unfortunate to have two goals ruled out in the first half.
Jurgen Klopp’s men threw everything but the kitchen sink after the half-time break but struggled to come up with a finishing touch in the final third. Man United responded positively and pushed on in search of the equaliser in the last quarter of the game. However, Mohamed Salah made the points secured when he scored in injury-time to put the icing on the cake for the home side. The contest ended with the final scoreline of 2-0 in favour of the European champions.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player fared during the contest against the Red Devils.
GK: Alisson Becker – 8/10
The Brazilian keeper hardly had anything to do in the game and kept a comfortable clean sheet at the back. He also picked up a brilliant assist after picking out Salah with a sensational pass in the dying embers of the game.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.5/10
The English prospect showed a lot of quality with his delivery from set-pieces. He set-up Van Dijk’s goal with a perfect cross in the first half and also did his defensive duties when called into action.
CB: Joe Gomez – 8.5/10
The Liverpool centre-back did not give the Man United attackers an inch in the first 45. He was composed on the ball and put in a masterclass of a performance at the back.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 8.5/10
The Dutch colossus rose above everyone to open the goal-scoring with a powerful header. He bullied the opposition and dictated the play well from the back.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 7/10
The Scottish full-back put in another tireless shift down the left flank and interchanged passes quite effectively with Mane and Wijnaldum in the attacking third of the pitch.
CM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 8/10
The English midfielder was a constant menace for the Red Devils as he was always willing to get on the ball and make dangerous runs into the opposition penalty box.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 8/10
The Liverpool captain led his team well and was flawless with his ball-distribution. It was another industrious display from him today.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 8.5/10
The Dutch midfielder was outstanding with his pressing off the ball and won possession back for his side on quite a few occasions during the match. He was unlucky to have his goal chalked off in the first half.
RM: Mohamed Salah – 7/10
The Egyptian speedster showed great character to keep trying despite missing some glorious chances to score. He finally managed to score his first goal against Man United in the Premier League when Alisson played him through on goal in injury-time.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 7/10
The Brazilian striker found the back of the net with a brilliant finish, but VAR ruled his goal out in the first half. He made a brilliant start after the half-time break but ended up running out of energy and had to be substituted.
LM: Sadio Mane – 7.5/10
The Senegalese winger got into some dangerous positions in the attacking third of the field but was not clinical in front of goal. He was still a constant threat for the Red Devils defenders but ran out of gas in the second half.
Substitutes:
CM: Adam Lallana – 6/10
He brought some energy on to the pitch and battled for every loose ball in midfield.
ST: Divock Origi – N/A
He did not have enough time to make an impact.
CM: Fabinho – N/A
The Brazilian midfielder made a vital clearance and helped his team see out the win.
