Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reflects on his side’s missed chance to defeat an injury-ravaged Manchester United at Old Trafford.
MANCHESTER, England — Liverpool were frustrated as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford by an injury-ravaged Manchester United.
Jurgen Klopp’s side could not capitalise on the three first-half substitutions United were forced into making and managed just one shot on target Sunday afternoon.
Positives
The Premier League title is still in Liverpool’s hands and they do now have an advantage over Manchester City. One point ahead of the reigning champions, Liverpool would have taken this at the start of the season.
Meanwhile, Alisson justified his hefty price tag, ensuring Liverpool left Manchester with at least a point. The goalkeeper’s only real contribution to the match was him stopping Jesse Lingard, but it was vital. That is what Liverpool paid for. Fellow Brazilian Fabinho was impressive again, too.
Negatives
A walking-wounded United created more clear-cut chances than Liverpool. Liverpool had lots of possession, but did very little with it. Mohamed Salah‘s poor performance gives further strength to the argument that United have his number. The Egyptian has not scored in four attempts against United.
Liverpool will be praying the injury that forced Roberto Firmino off is not a serious one. They can ill afford to lose the forward for a lengthy amount of time at this stage of the season.
Manager rating out of 10
5 — Klopp appeared to play it safe with his starting lineup. That team did not appear to fit the nature of the game when United’s injury problems hit. Liverpool were far too slow to adjust and gave United hope of snatching something.
Player ratings: (1-10; 10 = best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Alisson, 7
Had nothing to do for 40 minutes then produced a moment of world-class goalkeeping to stop Lingard from going around him and likely scoring.
DF James Milner, 5
A booking for a cynical foul on Paul Pogba after 24 minutes left him walking the disciplinary tightrope. Some will wonder why Trent Alexander-Arnold did not start.
DF Joel Matip, 6
A decent performance from the centre-half. Surprisingly, Matip was an attacking threat for Liverpool on a few occasions, although he did nearly score an embarrassing own goal but had his blushes spared by a flag for offside.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 6
A welcome returnee to the starting XI. Saw plenty of the ball in the second half as United sat deep.
DF Andrew Robertson, 6
Looked to be shaken up when he felt the full weight of Romelu Lukaku in a duel. However, the Scot completed the game and was typically fine.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has not scored against Manchester United in four attempts.
MF Fabinho, 7
Back in his natural midfield role and did very well. He certainly has an eye for a pass in addition to his defensive traits.
MF Jordan Henderson, 9
Toiled hard for 71 minutes to help limit Pogba’s influence on the game.
MF Georginio Wijnaldum, 6
A tidy performance from Wijnaldum, but were three disciplined midfielders required as Naby Keita sat on the bench?
FW Sadio Mane, 5
Dropped deep to collect possession, but did not see much movement ahead of him. That said, Mane’s showing was particularly poor.
FW Roberto Firmino, N/R
Started very well but then appeared to twist his ankle on a counterattack and was substituted after half an hour.
FW Mohamed Salah, 4
Tried to be very direct, running at United defenders to little success. He also sent a well-positioned free kick harmlessly over. Another frustrating match for Salah and he was deservedly taken off 11 minutes before the end.
Substitutes
FW Daniel Sturridge (31), 5
Surprising to see him get the nod ahead of Shaqiri and Origi when Firmino came off. A completely different striker to Firmino — and it showed.
FW Xherdan Shaqiri (71), N/R
Probably should have come on earlier.
FW Divock Origi (80), N/R
No stoppage-time winner against one of Liverpool’s biggest rivals this time out.
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