League leaders Manchester United were held to a nil-nil draw at Anfield by a tricky Liverpool side who have been unbeaten at home since 2017.
Liverpool Held to Draw at Anfield by Manchester United
Top of the Table Clash Ends With a Point Apiece
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made three changes from the win against Burnley with Victor Lindelof and trusted midfield duo Fred and Scott McTominay recalled to the squad. That meant in-form Eric Bailly and Edinson Cavani dropped to the bench. Paul Pogba kept his place in the squad but in the right-wing position.
Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson continued to deputise at centre-half after Joel Matip failed a late fitness test. Another change came in the form of Xherdan Shaqiri who replaced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the three-man midfield.
Nervy First Half
Liverpool came out in like championship-like form and controlled the game from the off with United not really getting a touch. But the Red Devils were set up to catch the home side on the break.
The first of which came in the 18th minute when Marcus Rashford had the chance but Andrew Robertson was fouled before the move. It was quite a dull first half overall but was well defended by Manchester United. Liverpool’s midfield managed to dictate the tempo of the game with Thiago instrumental in everything the Reds had done.
Mundane Manchester United Draw to Stay Top
The second half was a different story with Solskjaer’s side having more of the ball. An electric start from United saw them get a foothold in the game as they looked to push the three-point lead on their opposition.
A big chance came in the 59th minute for forward, Roberto Firmino when the striker attacked a cross from the left-hand side, but great defending from Harry Maguire kept it all even. In the last 15 minutes, it was all United and in the 75th minute, the best chance possibly happened. Marcus Rashford sent United’s man of the match Luke Shaw down the left side but his cross was met by Bruno Fernandes who hit it straight at Alisson. Then in the 83rd minute, Paul Pogba had the ultimate chance to win the game for the league leaders when his clear cut shot was straight at the keeper.
This draw means Manchester United go four points clear of the champions at the top of the table with both sides in action again in midweek.