Man United fought back to end a four-match losing streak and impede Liverpool march towards the Premier League title in an exciting 2-2 draw at Anfield on January 5.
Liverpool Maintain Lead Despite Missed Opportunity
Liverpool extends their lead to 6 points at the top of the table, with a game in hand against 2nd placed Arsenal.
However, this was a missed chance for Arne Slot’s team after they turned the game around to take a 2-1 lead with goals from Cody Gakpo and a penalty from Mohamed Salah.
“Naturally, it seems to us like we’ve dropped two points,” Slot stated.
Man United Break Anfield Goal Drought
United ended their six-year goal drought at Anfield by scoring first in a stunning manner with Lisandro Martinez finding the net, and they earned a point that reflected their much-improved performance when Amad Diallo equalized in the 80th minute.
Impact on the League Standings
A point places United in 13th position in the standings, maintaining a seven-point gap above the relegation zone.
“I’m quite disappointed. If we perform like this against Liverpool, who are at the top of the league, why can’t we achieve this consistently? It really frustrates me,” stated United captain Bruno Fernandes.
“Additionally, I finally delivered a solid performance. We acknowledged that we need to push ourselves harder to achieve more this season.”
Slot Recognizes Man United Potential
Liverpool manager Slot cautioned that United were “significantly stronger” than their disappointing league standing indicated before the match, and that turned out to be accurate.
Man United Strategic Adjustments
United was easily penetrated by Newcastle in a bleak 2-0 loss on December 30, 2024, which prompted manager Ruben Amorim to state that they were facing a relegation fight.
Amorim’s position was bolstered by the reinstatement of Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte from their suspensions, and Kobbie Mainoo also made his way back into the starting line-up.
The strategy employed by the Portuguese succeeded in disrupting Liverpool, but the home team did create opportunities early in the first half to secure a lead.
Missed Chances for Both Teams
Gakpo nudged the ball past the far post before Alexis Mac Allister’s volley compelled Andre Onana to make an impressive save using his feet.
United took a while to start asserting themselves as an attacking force but should have been ahead before halftime.
Rasmus Hojlund had the most significant opportunity of the first half when he sprinted past the Liverpool defense but failed to get past Alisson Becker.
Nonetheless, a renewed sense of confidence quickly returned to United players who had seemed lost in recent weeks.
Martinez and Gakpo Shine
The breakthrough for the visitors was unexpected as Martinez demonstrated to his forwards how to score with a powerful shot that hit the underside of the crossbar, marking just his second goal for the team.
The fans at Anfield were starting to feel uneasy as the top team was momentarily in disarray.
Nevertheless, Liverpool’s standings at the peak of the table are heavily influenced by the wealth of attacking talent they have.
Even on a calm day for Salah, they possessed a sharp forward capable of producing the magical moment needed to change the outcome of the match.
Gakpo manoeuvred around his fellow Dutch international Matthijs de Ligt and struck the ball high past Onana, marking his 10th goal in 15 matches at the hour mark.
VAR Drama and Salah Penalty
Mac Allister’s header grazed off De Ligt’s extended arm within the penalty area, leading to a VAR review that resulted in a penalty being awarded.
Salah struck powerfully and low past Onana to secure his 18th Premier League goal in 19 matches.
Late Drama Secures Man United Point
Nonetheless, United’s energetic performance earned them the point they deserved, putting an end to a concerning losing streak for Amorim so soon into his tenure.
Alejandro Garnacho’s demeanor was scrutinized by his manager, but the Argentine made an impact by coming off the bench to score the equalizer, with his low cross being converted by Diallo.
It could have been an even more favourable situation for United when Harry Maguire sent Joshua Zirkzee’s pass over the crossbar with an open goal late in stoppage time.
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