Liverpool Vs Manchester United

Liverpool Vs Manchester United

The Premier League returned to action after the international break with two of the England’s juggernauts clashing their heads together. Both teams were injury stricken and came to the match with some crucial names missing-Pogba, Bailly and Fellaini for United while Liverpool were without their talismanic winger Mané.

José was expected to start a better line up than he did, the team looked weak on paper and even more so on the field. They put up a horrendous display as this lack lustre United side almost got rattled at Anfield. Nevertheless, honours were even and the spoils were shared at the end. Over the course of 90 minutes Liverpool had close to 19 shots in contrast to the 6 on the other side. De Gea was the only player who could leave Anfield with his head held high as he saved United once again with an emphatic save from Matip. On the flip side, Lukaku had the opportunity of the match to win it for United, a brilliant build up play by Martial to set up Lukaku ended with the Belgian pooping all over the place, a Red Devil striker should do better. All was not Lukaku’s fault as there was close to no support for the striker going upfront. Mkhitaryan was roaming in his own anonymity, Young put in some weak crosses while Martial had none. Herrera was sent out to mark Coutinho, but guess his pockets were already full that day. A big opportunity missed for him considering he has dropped down as fourth choice midfielder after Pogba, Matic and Fellaini. All in all, a literally sulking Manchester United performance courtesy a weak display by the midfielders who barely put two consecutive passes together, such was the sorcery of Liverpool’s mid three.

Liverpool were, by a great margin, the better side, taking the game to United. Salah looked lively but lacked composure in front of goal leading to few half hearted efforts. Firmino was the one who created their best chance of the match, showing exquisite footwork to drill in a cross which was then directed towards the goal by Matip and brilliantly saved by De Gea with even better footwork. His shades of goalkeeping keep getting darker and darker with comparisons to the the "Great Dane" Schmeichel coming into perspective. Can, Wijnaldum and Henderson smothered United midfield while Coutinho was out for a stroll in the park and made Herrera his play-dog. Liverpool's defense, to much surprise, looked solid. Lovren had the better of Lukaku for most of the match, despite getting kicked in the face in the process. Even though they dominated the match, the Merseysiders failed to penetrate De Gea's goal. Mane was sorely missed as he could have added another dynamic to their game. Liverpool are now 9 points behind league leaders City already, perhaps "Next year is our year" chants will be seen early this season.

It's never easy to come to Anfield, but one must at least try, specially the club that calls itself the biggest in the world. The only positive could be that the bus remains unbeaten, second time in a row at Anfield. José must realise these theatrics could work at the Bridge but never at United. A standing bus isn’t going any further, its static. This could come to bite them since City went all guns blazing against the Potters, maybe not on a cold rainy night but city certainly did a number on stoke, 7-2 is a boost on both the points gap as well as the goal difference.