This was the first time since October 1996 that Liverpool faced Man Utd in a Premier League match while being top of the table. In that match Man Utd had still won 1-0 at Old Trafford. Today’s game had the added incentive for Liverpool in that they were one win away from equalling the all-time English top-flight record of 18 consecutive victories, set by Manchester City between August and December 2017. Drawing the game meant that at least for now they had failed in their attempt.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah had failed to shake off an ankle knock and was a notable absentee. United had been however unbeaten at home by Liverpool in five and a a half years, and this result adds another year to that, at least in the League.
United could have done with a second goal Marcus Rashford having a great opportunity from just outside the area. However since beating Chelsea 4-0 on the opening weekend, United have failed to score more than once in any of their last 10 games in all competitions. It’s their longest run of failing to score more than once since a run of 13 between May – September 2007. I vote my man of the match as Marcus Rashford, not only for his goal but also for his persistence and efforts as the lone striker.
A comment on VAR. United’s goal went to VAR, and for the ridiculous reason that just outside the United penalty area, say 80 odd meters from the goal, there was a suspicion of a foul, which incident was clearly seen by the referee. Is this really why VAR was introduced?
As the TV Commentator said at the end of the match, ‘Liverpool’s perfection has now been lost’. As for United, not really much to celebrate, even though it may have been our best performance of the season. We are still just above the relegation zone.
Article contributed by Echoes Contributor Kenneth Abela. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.