Old Trafford erupted in a cacophony of noise as the final whistle blew, sealing a pulsating 2-2 draw between Manchester United and Liverpool. This wasn’t just a Premier League match; it was a battle for bragging rights, a chance to lay down a marker in the ever-intense rivalry. Here is a breakdown of the stats and some insights post match:
Match Stats: Manchester United vs Liverpool
- Total shots taken: 9 vs 28
- Shots on target: 5 vs 7
- Possession: 37% vs 63%
- Fouls: 9 vs 10
- Yellow cards: 5 vs 2
- Corner kicks taken: 6 vs 11
United come out firing early, Liverpool responds
In just 60 seconds, the Red Devils started firing out in attack as the ball was crossed to Garnacho, who was well in front of Liverpool’s defence before slotting the ball into the net, although Garnacho was well offside and the goal not counted.
Liverpool started to find their rhythm in possession, as the attack responded with creating chances of their own. Both teams fought to keep possession and create chances to break each others’ defensive structures, although unable to convert to goals in the early stages.
First half lead for Liverpool
A break for the Reds came as they were awarded a corner kick. Robertson swung the ball from the corner into the box, as Nunez flicks in on at the near post where Diaz made an incredible strike with a scissor kick into the back of the net to take Liverpool into a 1-0 goal lead in the 23rd minute.
It was all Liverpool as the attack continued to keep United deep inside their own half, with Manchester struggling to limit the Reds attacking options. They were yet to make a shot on target. Their ball movement stayed between the defenders, with not a lot of forward movement. This caused some frustrations that the fans had shown.
Liverpool led 1-0 at half-time.
Second half drama enfolds
The second half continued in the same vein, with both teams trading blows.
Manchester United’s defence started paying off, when a passing error by Quansah played loosely across to Fernandes’ feet, who took the strike immediately from just inside the centre circle. Kelleher was off his line and couldn’t recover back to keep it out of the net as Manchester equalised 1-1.
The match proved to be anyone’s and both teams still offered attacking and tactical options, along with the physicality. As a result, Rashford, who has had a brilliant game, looked to have picked up a niggle and had to be substituted by Antony.
The 67th minute came as United took a lead to 2-1 lead as a result of Mainoo’s curved goal from a back and forth with Wan-Bissaka. Klopp did not seem happy with what he’s seen from his side so far in the second, as Nunez, who had 5 shot attempts without a goal, was replaced by Gakpo.
Liverpool seemed to be on the opposite side of the second half as they struggled to be at their free-flowing best, picking up 6 shots but haven’t had the opportunity to convert any of them.
They were given a break however, when United’s Wan-Bissaka slid into the goal box to nick the ball from Elliot’s feet but instead caused a late challenge which resulted in a penalty. Salah had no hesitation in taking the penalty and striking the ball into the left corner of the net levelling the score 2-2.
Liverpool seemed to have their belief back, trying for a late push for a winner. Manchester United pushed to keep them high, but failed to give the visitors more pressure. A scrappy end from both teams attempting to score resulted in a draw.
Post match key points:
- Liverpool miss the chance to top of the table, with Salah salvaging a late point in a draw with Manchester United.
- Manchester United faced 28 shots against Liverpool, their most on record since 2003/04.
- Liverpool failed to win a Premier League game in which they had a lead for the first time since October against Brighton, ending their 16 game winning streak when going ahead in the competition.
- The Reds remain at 2 on the table, while United remain at 6.
Next fixtures:
- United travel to Bournemouth on the 13th April 2024, in hopes to secure a win, and move up the rankings, after 3 win-less games.
- Liverpool face Atalanta in a first Europa League quarterfinal leg on the 11th April 2024.
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