This Sunday, the 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Manchester United opens up various interpretations. Some might argue that United continue to remain winless and finished the match with less attacking volume than their rivals, buoyed by xG suggesting a more dominant performance from Liverpool – and these facts are very real.
However, some will point out that Rúben Amorim’s side, in what is theoretically their best line-up, held their own against Liverpool and could have snatched a victory, suggesting that despite some vulnerabilities they are not as in bad shape as recent weeks have indicated. In this case, perhaps both views hold some truth.
Before the match, the atmosphere from both sides was evident during a playful moment on Sky Sports. Near the pitch at Anfield, which was covered in snow threatening to postpone the match, United legend Gary Neville threw white snow onto the pitch, while Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher used a shovel to clear the snow and facilitate the start of the match.
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It was all in jest, but it carried significant symbolism: Liverpool are full of confidence, in optimal shape to take on any team, especially their great rivals, making the task seem easy. Conversely, United are hungry for wins, wishing they didn’t have to face Liverpool.
On the pitch, this playful spirit quickly evaporated. It was perhaps the strongest performance from the Amorim team, showing good defensive discipline, dynamic play in midfield and although the offensive solutions were somewhat repetitive, they were executed effectively.
Liverpool’s 4-3-3 tactical pattern mirrored that of Newcastle’s recent demolition of United, but this time Rúben Amorim deployed a few different ‘players’.
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With a lineup closer to their best, Ugarte and Mainoo brought a distinct presence with and without the ball compared to Casemiro and Eriksen. More importantly, Bruno Fernandes, unlike Zirkzee, played more like a third midfielder rather than a third striker on the left flank. The adjustment helped balance the midfield duel and avoid a crushing defeat similar to that against Newcastle, despite a glaring miss from McAllister in the 15th minute.
An interesting statistic at the half hour mark indicated that United had a 12-4 advantage in ground duels. Some might argue that it’s not by fighting that you win a football match – and that’s not wrong – but when we talk about a success rate of 75% in duels, this imbalance clearly benefits to a team, even if it seems weaker.
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United’s play lacked complexity, opting instead to repeat the same strategy: one player would make a forward-to-back move to support, drawing in one defender while another exploited the space left behind.
It was evident at 20 minutes, with Hojlund drawing the attention and Bruno launching Dalot. It was the same scenario on 41 minutes, with Hojlund again drawing defenders in, allowing Diallo to find space, although Bruno misplayed the chance. At 42 minutes, Bruno drew the full-back and Hojlund dove down the flank, unable to be denied by Allison.
-Shortly after half-time, Hojlund, who gave a steely effort, won an aerial ball which freed Dalot, who failed to convert.
In the 52nd minute, a high recovery from Lisandro allowed him to stay in attack for a moment, causing confusion in Liverpool’s marking as he was served by Bruno and fired a fierce shot beyond Allison.
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The celebration was full of raw emotion, as if a huge weight had been lifted from the shoulders of United’s players.
Six minutes later, McAllister found Gakpo unmarked due to a bizarre defensive blunder by Ugarte, who had abandoned his position on the left for no reason. Gakpo therefore had space to combine with McAllister, leaving De Ligt on the ground with a clever dribble to make it 1-1 with a powerful strike from the left.
At 66 minutes, De Ligt found himself in trouble again. The ball hit his arm, which was in a natural position, and the VAR recommended a penalty, converted by Salah.
Although Liverpool were not at their best, their confidence showed in these moments: they did not waver in the face of adversity and calmly resumed the match, despite De Ligt’s reckless involvement in both goals.
Contrast this with United, who collapsed after going 2-1 down, losing control both emotionally and tactically, with players disoriented and often desperate.
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It’s fair to say, however, that United’s strong response during an hour of play didn’t translate into xG – Liverpool had a clearer chance, while United had several chances that didn’t have the same weight.
On 80 minutes, a solo effort from Garnacho led to a low pass for Diallo, who equalized past a passive Robertson.
The final score reflected how the match played out at Anfield. Have United had any convincing spells? Yes. Did Liverpool have better chances? Also yes. In the end, a 2-2 draw seemed logical.
