Premier League
Liverpool Top Of Premier League After Old Trafford Stalemate
Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League after a goalless stalemate against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
However, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will feel this was a missed opportunity after Manchester United were forced into three first half substitutions due to injuries.
Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard (who had come on for Mata) were all forced off in the first half.
Liverpool though struggled to find a way past United’s makeshift team in the second half and almost conceded late on.
A great cross by Romelu Lukaku almost found Chris Smalling at the backpost but the English defender couldn’t divert the ball goalwards.
For Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, this was arguably Red Devil’s best performance given the makeshift nature of his side in the second half.
More ER Than A Football Match
Liverpool dominated the possession in the early stages, with Manchester United happy to sit back and hit on the counter-attack.
On 15 minutes, Ander Herrera fouled Liverpool defender Joel Matip right on the edge of the penalty area.
Upstepped Mo Salah but his free kick flew high over the crossbar when he should have done better.
Just five minutes later, the Red Devils were dealt a massive blow. Midfielder Ander Herrera was forced off due to a hamstring injury.
Brazilian midfielder Andreas Pereira came on in his place.
The problems began to stack up for Man Utd, as moments later, Juan Mata was also forced to go off due to injury and was replaced with Jesse Lingard.
The first half an hour saw more injuries than chances created. This time Liverpool were forced into a change, as Roberto Firmino was replaced by Daniel Sturridge.
After 40 minutes, Manchester United had the best chance of the game. A brilliant through pass by Romelu Lukaku set Jesse Lingard in on goal.
The English midfielder tried to get round Alisson in the Liverpool goal but the Brazilian did well to get a left hand to the ball and deny him the chance to score.
Just moments later, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was forced into his final substitution after only 42 minutes.
Jesse Lingard picked up an injury, as he tried to go round Alisson. Alexis Sanchez came on in his place.
The first half was more an episode of ER than a football match, with neither side able to get any sort of rhythm due to the stoppages.
Smalling Almost Wins It For United
Manchester United started the second half better of the two sides. Marcus Rashford had a shot from inside the box, which went wide of goal.
After 70 minutes, a corner swung in by James Milner was headed by Daniel Sturridge. However, it took a slight deflection off Man Utd midfielder Scott McTominay and went just wide of goal.
In injury time, United had a great chance to win it. A great cross into the box by Romelu Lukaku almost found Chris Smalling at the back post. However, the English defender couldn’t get a touch and divert the ball past Alisson in the Liverpool goal.
In truth it was a poor game with neither side able to create many opportunities.
Best Performance By United Under Solskjaer
A goalless draw against your biggest rivals at home may not appear to be a great result.
But given that Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was forced into three first half substitutions due to injuries, this was United’s best display under the Norwegian.
United had a makeshift team in the second half but stuck to the task incredibly well. Arguably they were better in the second half than the first.
Youngsters Scott McTominay and Andres Periera handled the occasion well and defensively they were incredibly well organised.
Liverpool strikers Mo Salah and Saido Mane struggled to create any chances.
Solskjaer has had some big wins since taking over in December on a caretaker basis. Victories against Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea away from home will help his case to become the manager permanently.
However, this performance where he had to show his tactical acumen to reshuffle his side and still manage to get a point against the league leaders, will help further his case to get the job.
Missed Opportunity For Liverpool
Liverpool may have moved top of the Premier League but they will feel this was a missed opportunity.
Given they were up against a depleted United line-up in the second half, they failed to take advantage.
Their attacking play was poor and time and again they lacked that final pass and cutting edge.
Liverpool have now drawn three of their last four Premier League games and have seen their lead at the top cut to just one point.
Jurgen Klopp will be concerned with the way his front players perfomed, in particular Mo Salah and Saido Mane who both looked off the pace.
The next week is huge for their title chances with Watford to come at Anfield on Wednesday and the Merseyside Derby next Sunday at Goodison Park.
Meanwhile, Manchester United face Crystal Palace away also on Wednesday.
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Photo credit to Manchester United via Twitter
