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In a clash of two heavyweights in the 2020-21 Premier League, league leaders Manchester United held defending champions Liverpool to a drab goalless draw.
An impressive haul of 29 points in their last 11 games saw Manchester United ascend to the Premier League summit before their trip to Anfield. Liverpool, on the other hand, picked up only two points from their last three games. are now without a league win in four for the first time since February 2017.
The tone was pretty much set from the opening whistle, as Manchester United were sluggish and let Liverpool dominate proceedings. The away side looked threatening on the counter but didn't manage to breach the Liverpool citadel. However, the home side hardly fared better, failing to influence the game despite dominating possession.
In the second half, Manchester United put Liverpool custodian Allison under pressure, but the Brazilian keeper was up to the task, making two massive saves to keep the game scoreless.
The stalemate means Liverpool remain third in the Premier League table, a point behind Leicester and three behind Manchester United. On that note, let us take a look at five hits and flops from either team in this game
#5 HIT: Thiago Alcantara (Liverpool)
In his first appearance for Liverpool at Anfield, Thiago Alcantara was by far the most impressive outfield player on the pitch.
The Spaniard controlled proceedings in midfield, putting on a show with his incredible passing range and ability to glide away from his opponents. Thiago Alcantara was at the heart of most Liverpool moves and almost marked his Anfield debut with a goal.
The 29-year old did make a few wayward passes but dictated the tempo of the game.
Thiago Alcantara is known as one of the best midfielders in modern football, and with his performance against Manchester United helped him live up to that billing.
#4 FLOP: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
It was a subdued display from the Premier League's top scorer Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian striker struggled to get involved and was kept at bay by the Manchester United full-backs.
He had a go at the goal a couple of times but never really troubled David de Gea. Salah did run behind the Manchester United defence on a few occasions but did not into a goal-scoring position.
The Liverpool forward has now gone four league games without a goal, something that would be disconcerting for manager Jurgen Klopp.
#3 HIT: Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Luke Shaw produced a solid performance against Liverpool. The Manchester United full-back had an answer to everything Salah threw at him and was composed throughout the game.
Shaw also created Manchester United's best chance of the game when he fed Bruno Fernandes, but the opportunity went begging.
If the 25-year old continues to stay fit and produce such impressive performances, an England call-up might be soon on the cards.
#2 FLOP: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Like Liverpool's, even Manchester United's talisman - Bruno Fernandes - had a night to forget.
The man who always runs the show for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side was arguably the worst player on the pitch at Anfield.
In his first game against Liverpool, Bruno Fernandes almost set the fireworks after going close from a free-kick but grew sloppier as the game progressed.
The best chance of the game came the Portuguese's way when Shaw put the ball inside the box, but Bruno Fernandes failed to capitalise on it. With a better shot on target. he could have scored the only goal of the game.
It was a golden opportunity that could have given Manchester United all three points and a six-point lead atop the Premier League table, but that was eventually not to be.
#1 HIT: Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
Alisson was mostly a spectator in the first half, as Manchester United didn't conjure enough opportunities to test the Liverpool goalkeeper.
However, the big Brazilian was quick off his line to deal with Manchester United's over-the-top long balls. He was particularly clutch in the second half, thwarting a flurry of chances for the away side.
Alisson denied Bruno Fernandes with a stunning save and then stood tall when Pogba smashed one from close range.
It was a massive performance by the goalkeeper who kept a well-deserved clean sheet.
