Liverpool’s Premier League match against Manchester United on Sunday faced uncertain conditions due to the weather, but it went ahead as scheduled. With both Arsenal and Chelsea dropping points in their respective fixtures, a win for Liverpool would have put them eight points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand. Unfortunately, the Reds failed to capitalize on this opportunity, as United managed to earn a 2-2 draw, leaving Liverpool to reflect on missed chances.
The first half began slowly, with Liverpool creating some opportunities to open the scoring. Cody Gakpo’s early chip went wide, and André Onana saved Alexis Mac Allister’s volley from a Mohamed Salah cross. Luis Díaz also squandered a chance, sending a shot over the bar. United had a few counterattacks thwarted by Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk, but Liverpool looked more likely to take the lead.
The second half saw a shift in momentum when United took the lead after a poor ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold allowed them to counterattack. Bruno Fernandes set up Lisandro Martínez, who fired the ball off the crossbar and into the net, leaving Alisson with no chance.
Liverpool responded quickly, with Cody Gakpo scoring the equalizer after a brilliant pass from Mac Allister. The Reds then took the lead when Matthijs de Ligt handled the ball in the box, and Salah converted the penalty. However, poor defending allowed United to equalize again in the 80th minute. Ibrahima Konaté failed to close down Alejandro Garnacho’s cross, and Amad Diallo slotted the ball through Alisson’s legs, making it 2-2.
Despite the draw, a few players, including Gakpo, van Dijk, and Gravenberch, stood out. Alexis Mac Allister, however, was the standout performer, contributing to both goals, showcasing creativity, and making crucial tackles. Liverpool will need to regroup and focus on maintaining their lead in the title race, despite this frustrating result.
