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Liverpool lost 2-1 to Manchester United at Old Trafford losing their opportunity of going above their bitter rivals in the Premier League table. United's strategy of playing long balls worked perfectly as it caught out the defence of the Reds. The first goal was a result of a David De Gea long ball headed on by Romelu Lukaku for Marcus Rashford.
A 2-0 lead heading into the second half meant Jose Mourinho set his team to be defensively organised which allowed Jurgen Klopp's side the majority of the possession in the second half. The pressure proved dividends as the Merseysiders got a goal back through an Eric Bailly own goal.
Despite all the pressure being put, United stayed in shape allowing Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah to create any real threat on goal. The loss means Klopp's side fall back five points behind their arch-rivals but still remain third on the Premier League table.
Here's what went wrong for Liverpool:
#3 Nervy Alexander Arnold
Trent Alexander Arnold kept his place in the starting XI and was the weak link in the Liverpool back four. He was at the receiving end of the first goal when he let Marcus Rashford get the better of him as he was wrong-footed by the United forward.
He was once again caught out for the second goal when Rashford's shot deflected off his heel. The 19-year-old was having a tough time in his first appearance at Old Trafford against the United goalscorer and Alexis Sanchez as well.
He committed two fouls, lost the ball on different occasions and was unable to win any tackles or make any interceptions. Going forward, he was ineffective as he was able to put any good crosses. It was one of the worst games for the Englishman in a Reds shirt and was duly substituted in the 79th minute.
#2 Liverpool's weakness exposed
Manchester United's tactic was to play route 1 football in the first half. This was through David de Gea launching the ball forward from straight into the Liverpool half.
It worked perfectly to the advantage of the Red Devils as a De Gea goal kick found the head of Romelu Lukaku, who headed it forward to Marcus Rashford with the Englishman finding the net.
The long ball strategy was being utilised brilliantly by Jose Mourinho's side in the first half as it was causing major trouble for the Reds back four. Virgil van Dijk and Dejan Lovren had a tough time winning the aerial duels against Lukaku especially.
#1 Non-Existent Mohamed Salah
Just like Eden Hazard was contained by Scott McTominay a fortnight ago, Manchester United applied the same strategy of containing Mohamed Salah. It once again provided a positive result for Jose Mourinho, as Salah had a really poor game
He had a total of only 34 touches, making only one key pass throughout the game and was dispossessed six different times. His best chance to score was in the final minute of the game which he blasted over the crossbar ruining Liverpool's chance of earning a point.
The Egyptian was left frustrated which was affecting his game when he got the ball as he completed only 72% of his passes with only just one accurate cross into the box. United did not allow him any freedom as the defenders were on him allowing him very little width which denied him any proper space to get on his preferred right foot.
