The spoils were shared at Anfield on Sunday afternoon as Liverpool and much-improved Manchester United played out a frantic 2-2 draw.
With the two historic giants coming into the competition in completely different forms, the majority expected Liverpool to win at Anfield. However, United refused to display any of the incompetence they displayed against Newcastle as they put in an excellent performance in the first 45 minutes.
They slowed down the crowd early and quickly settled into the competition. The hosts had their moments, with Cody Gakpo coming closest in the first 30 minutes, but United were a persistent threat on Liverpool’s right and twice fell behind via Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund. After Amad Diallo missed a beautiful cross from Dalot, Hojlund was denied one-on-one by Alisson.
As a result, both teams went into the break completely balanced.
United’s momentum continued into the second half and they secured a deserved lead from an unexpected source. Lisandro Martinez’s finish from a clever back pass from Bruno Fernandes was great, but their lead only lasted a few minutes. The in-form Gakpo leveled the game with an equally brilliant finish after beating Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt was once again the protagonist of the defense as the Reds converted their deficit with a penalty. Michael Oliver couldn’t see the Dutchman’s raised hand after Mac Allister’s header, but the VAR intervened and awarded Liverpool a penalty. Mohamed Salah was there and finished from 12 meters.
However, the impressive guests refused to give up, equalized and ensured an exciting finale. After Amad, one of the outstanding players under Amorim, fell behind again on Liverpool’s right side, he coolly converted the equalizer.
The final was absolutely breathless and either side could have won it in a death match. Harry Maguire missed a golden chance with the last kick. In the end it was just a point for Liverpool, who were unable to take advantage of Arsenal’s draw at Brighton on Saturday.
*Reviews by FotMob*
player | Reviews |
|---|---|
GK: Alisson | 5.7/10 |
RB: Trent Alexander Arnold | 6.7/10 |
CB: Ibrahima Konate | 7.5/10 |
CB: Virgil van Dijk | 6.5/10 |
LB: Andy Robertson | 6.5/10 |
CM: Ryan Gravenberch | 6.9/10 |
CM: Alexis Mac Allister | 7.8/10 |
AM: Curtis Jones | 6.5/10 |
RW: Mohamed Salah | 7.7/10 |
ST: Luis Diaz | 6.4/10 |
LW: Cody Gakpo | 7.7/10 |
SUB: Darwin Nunez (60th for Diaz) | 6.4/10 |
SUB: Diogo Jota (60′ for Jones) | 6.1/10 |
SUB: Conor Bradley (58th minute for Alexander-Arnold) | 6.4/10 |
SUB: Harvey Elliott (86′ for Gakpo) | 6.1/10 |
Substitutes not used: Caoimhin Kelleher (TW), James McConnell, Jayden Danns, Wataru Endo, Federico Chiesa, Kostas Tsimikas, Jarell Quansah.
*Reviews by FotMob*
player | Evaluation |
|---|---|
GK: André Onana | 6.7/10 |
CB: Matthijs de Ligt | 6.2/10 |
CB: Harry Maguire | 7.1/10 |
CB: Lisandro Martinez | 8.2/10 |
RWB: Noussair Mazraoui | 7.2/10 |
CM: Manuel Ugarte | 7.1/10 |
CM: Kobbie Mainoo | 6.7/10 |
LWB: Diogo Dalot | 7.4/10 |
AM: Bruno Fernandes | 8.7/10 |
AM: Amad Diallo | 8.1/10 |
ST: Rasmus Hojlund | 6.4/10 |
SUB: Alejandro Garnacho (72′ for Mainoo) | 6.0/10 |
SUB: Leny Yoro (83rd for De Ligt) | 6.1/10 |
SUB: Joshua Zirkzee (87th for Hojlund) | 6.3/10 |
Substitutes not used: Altay Bayindir (TW), Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Antony, Toby Collyer.