Manchester United remained at the top of the Premier League after their visit to the champions Liverpool. Both teams drew 0-0 at Anfield in the 205th edition of the biggest English football derby. The Reds had the advantage almost the whole time, but never managed to create clear enough positions in front of David De Gea’s door. The Red Devils mostly defended themselves, their biggest priority being not to lose. In the end, however, the guests created two very good situations, from which they could even snatch the victory.
The difference of three points between the two teams remained, and the teams of Manchester City and Leicester are the most satisfied with this result. Liverpool’s 68-match unbeaten streak at Anfield has continued and United have been unbeaten as guests in the league for almost a year – since their last visit at Anfield. However, the champions are left with only one goal scored in their last four matches, which is reason for concern for Jurgen Klopp.
The big news in Liverpool’s camp was that Joel Matip was clearly not ready and did not get into the group for today’s match, although he resumed training yesterday. Thus, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho started in the center of defense, as it was in the match against Southampton. The surprise was that Shaqiri started in the midfield with Georginio Wijnaldum and Thiago Alcantara. The Swiss replaced Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, who was a starter against the Saints. This was the only change compared to this match.
There were three adjustments made by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer compared to the match with Burnley. Victor Lindelof, Fred and Scott McTominey started at the expense of Eric Bailly, Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani.
Liverpool had a huge advantage in the first half hour. The hosts attacked all the time, and in the rare moments when they did not control the ball, they aggressively pressed their opponent. The Reds have largely returned to their style from last year, with the line of defense far up ahead. Fabinho and Henderson controlled the ball well, and Alcantara tried to sharpen the attacks with through balls. United were deep in their half and waiting for counterattack opportunities, but such were rarely found.
Liverpool created some interesting situations, but missed finishing touch. It was only after the 30th minute that United tried to bring the game in the half of the champions. In the 33rd Bruno Fernandes made a good direct free kick, after which the ball went wide of the goal. Liverpool responded with a quick attack. Salah tried to break through, but was stopped, after which Firmino shot in the hands of De Gea. That was the first accurate shot of the game. In the end, the half ended with 66% possession of the ball by Liverpool and nine shots by the hosts, of which only one accurate. United made only one blow – the aforementioned free kick by Fernandes. However, there was no clear goal chances for both teams at the break.
Liverpool started the second half very aggressively. In the 62nd minute Solskjaer replaced Martial with Cavani. Just 15 minutes before the end the guests had their first clear opportunity. Shaw crossed on the left, and Fernandes intercepted from few meters, but Alisson saved with his foot. Liverpool responded with a very nice shot by Tiago from 20 meters. The Spanish national sent the ball to the upper right corner, but De Gea managed to save. In the 83rd minute United was again closer to scoring. Wan-Bissaka crossed on the right and after a ricochet the ball reached Pogba, who had a small gap for shooting from 7-8 meters. Alisson saved the Frenchman shot, even though he was within very close range. This was also the best opportunity to score in this match.
United remain at the top with 37 points. Liverpool are third with 34. Later today, Manchester City can also overtake the champions, who are without a victory in the Premier League in four consecutive games.
