Liverpool clashed heads with Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier tonight as they hoped to keep their top-four hopes alive by picking up maximum points on the road. The Reds made a poor start to the game as they conceded the opening goal in the tenth minute when Bruno Fernandes scored with a deflected attempt. However, Diogo Jota popped up with the all-important equalizer for the Merseyside outfit in the 34th minute when he found the back of the net with a neat finish. In the first half injury-time, Roberto Firmino managed to give Liverpool the lead with a powerful header from a tight angle
It was Firmino, who struck again just two minutes into the second half when he scored with a tidy finish from point-blank range, which put daylight between the two sides. However, Marcus Rashford got a goal back for Man United in the 68th minute with a clever finish. The Reds held their nerves in the latter stages and finally killed the game off via Mohamed Salah’s breakaway goal as they ended up securing a dominant 4-2 win at the Theatre of Dreams.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the match against the Red Devils.
GK: Alisson Becker – 5.5/10
The Brazilian keeper almost gifted Edinson Cavani a first-half goal. He recovered from his mistake and produced a solid performance in goal for the Reds.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8/10
The English full-back created several inviting opportunities for his teammates and picked up a great assist for setting up Firmino’s first-half goal.
CB: Rhys Williams – 6.5/10
Williams kept his composure under pressure and produced a matured display in central defence. He made several important clearances during the game and was excellent when passing the ball out from the back.
CB: Nathaniel Phillips – 7.5/10
Phillips should have done better to prevent Fernandes’ opener. However, he recovered well and redeemed himself by creating Jota’s goal in the first half.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 7/10
The Scottish full-back was full of energy but was sometimes caught out of position. He had some trouble dealing with Marcus Rashford’s pace during the game.
CM: Thiago Alcantara – 8/10
The Spaniard bossed the game in midfield as he showed great desire to win the ball back for his team. He also passed the ball exceptionally well and had one of his better games in a Liverpool shirt.
CM: Fabinho – 7/10
The Brazilian midfield ace disrupted the oppositon’s flow in the game at the centre of the park. He got down and dirty when needed and managed to provide decent protection for his teammates at the back.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 7/10
The Dutch midfield ace retained possession immaculately, especially in the first half. He was a real bundle of energy in midfield but once again struggled to create plays for others in the final third.
RW: Mohamed Salah – 8/10
The Egyptian winger caused all kinds of problems for the Man United defenders with his high pressing and relentless running in and around the penalty box. He capped off a fine performance with a deserved goal late in the game.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 9/10
The Brazilian attacker linked up play well with his teammates and scored two good goals on either side of the half-time break. This performance will do his confidence a world of good.
LW: Diogo Jota – 8/10
The Portuguese forward was a constant nuisance for the Man United centre-halves and scored the crucial equaliser for Liverpool in the 34th minute. However, he was desperately unlucky to hit the crossbar in the second half.
Substitutes:
LW: Sadio Mane – 6/10
The Senegalese speedster was guilty of squandering an excellent chance to score.
CM: Curtis Jones – 6/10
The English midfield ace picked up a good assist for setting up Salah’s goal late in the game.
RB: Neco Williams – N/A
He hardly had any time to make an impact.
