Liverpool missed an opportunity to return to the highest of the Premier League as troubled Manchester United lastly confirmed some preventing spirit in a gritty 0-0 draw on Sunday. United had Diogo Dalot despatched off for dissent within the closing seconds of stoppage time at Anfield, however Liverpool had lengthy since run out of concepts within the face of the guests’ defiant show. Having began the weekend in high spot, Liverpool kicked off in third place after wins for Arsenal and Aston Villa earlier on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp’s aspect dominated a dour conflict in opposition to their hated rivals, however lacked the innovative required to increase their profitable run within the league to 4 matches. Liverpool sit in second place, one level behind leaders Arsenal forward of their summit assembly with the Gunners at Anfield on Saturday.
Whereas Liverpool have been left annoyed after failing to win at dwelling for the primary time in 12 video games in all competitions, for United the consequence was a step in the proper path after one other dismal week.
Ravaged by accidents and lacking suspended captain Bruno Fernandes, United confirmed the type of tenacity absent for a lot of a turbulent marketing campaign.
Final weekend’s dwelling humbling by Bournemouth was adopted by a 1-0 defeat in opposition to Bayern Munich on Tuesday that condemned United to a meek Champions League group stage exit.
Erik ten Hag’s workforce have been again at Anfield for the primary time since being hammered there 7-0 in March, an abject give up that ranked among the many most humiliating defeats within the membership’s historical past.
They continue to be with out a win at Anfield since 2016, however after so many chastening visits over the past seven years, the under-fire Ten Hag left grateful for small mercies as United keep away from extra embarrassment.
In line with the poisonous nature of English soccer’s most bitter rivalry, Liverpool have been compelled to ”totally condemn” the followers who bombarded United’s workforce bus with missiles earlier than the sport, resulting in a window being smashed by a glass bottle.
That ugly scene was adopted by a scrappy sport equally brief on interesting qualities.
Liverpool have held the higher hand over United lately, however a mixture of sloppy passing and stubborn defending halted their progress.
With out a objective in his final 9 video games, Darwin Nunez could not convert Mohamed Salah’s lobbed cross as he stretched in useless on the far publish.
Salah has loved tormenting United prior to now and he almost bagged one other objective at their expense when his close-range effort was deflected extensive after Andre Onana failed to carry Nunez’s header.
Liverpool’s territorial dominance produced eight corners within the first half-hour, with Virgil van Dijk nearly turning one into the opening objective as his header was pushed over by Onana.
Ibrahima Konate headed wastefully over from yet one more Liverpool nook, however regardless of the Reds’ sustained strain, United have been organised sufficient to maintain Klopp’s males at bay.
A irritating half for Liverpool ended fittingly when Salah’s strike from a great place inside the realm was comfortably saved by Onana.
It was an identical patten after the interval as Liverpool managed possession and United stubbornly refused to crack.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s low drive ruffled the side-netting earlier than Onana saved Salah’s roller.
Klopp moved Alexander-Arnold into midfield and the right-back went shut with a first-time shot that flashed inches extensive from the sting of the realm.
United striker Rasmus Hojlund was nameless for lengthy durations and when he lastly did get a sight of objective, the Dane shot straight at Alisson Becker after Scott McTominay’s move gave him a wonderful alternative to interrupt the impasse.
Onana made a great cease to disclaim Salah after the Egyptian superior menacingly, whereas Luis Diaz’s effort was turned away by Dalot.
Dalot’s optimistic contribution was adopted by a unnecessary one when he was proven a second yellow card for berating referee Michael Oliver whereas disputing a throw-in.
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