If the title hopes were to be kept alive, Liverpool needed a win at Old Trafford and Jurgen Klopp’s men certainly came to the Theatre of Dreams expecting a positive outcome out of it. Klopp’s winks and smiles early on in the pre-match interview revealed completely that the visitors weren’t coming without complete preparation and Klopp even confirmed that they knew what had to be done but in big games like these, you never know in which way the pendulum swings.
An absolute mix-up from Paul Pogba handed Liverpool an early penalty as Michael Oliver pointed straight to the spot gesturing that Pogba had handled the ball and indeed the Frenchman had done just that. Milner finished powerfully on the right giving De Gea no chances. United threatened to open up the play but sublime discipline and perfect organisation game the home side very little chance and two misses from United saw Liverpool holding on to their lead at half time.
Second half with Rooney’s substitution, tables were completely turned as United came barging in minutes after minutes while occasional breakaways lead to nothing from Liverpool. Fellaini was brought in and aerial threat was something the Merseyside reds have struggled against and indeed Fellaini’s crucial header saw Valencia cross in the rebound and Zlatan turned it in for United to get a draw. Liverpool are seated well in the top four and a draw would be satisfying after a hard night.
The Best And The Worst Liverpool Players Rated From Their Draw Vs Manchester United
1) GK: Simon Mignolet – 8/10
Quite often he’s come under heavy fire but Mignolet absolutely killed off critics today. He made very crucial saves including the one of Mkhitariyan’s early on in the game and made himself big often to prevent United from scoring. It’s a man of the match award winning display from the Belgian.
2) RB: Alexander Arnold – 6.5/10
A dream debut for the youngster at Old Trafford and he was calm but effective. He kept Martial at bay with support from team-mates and made a few good interceptions and tackles. There’s only the way up for the right-back.
3) CB: Dejan Lovren – 6/10
Managed to match Ibrahimovic aerially and was often rash but effective.
4) CB: Ragnar Klavan – 6.5/10
He was tidy and calm at the back unlike his centre-back pairing and got the job done.
5) LB: James Milner -6.5/10
Banged in a crucial penalty and he was disciplined at the back.
