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Liverpool and Manchester United played out a goalless draw in the 2020-21 Premier League as the visitors remained top of the league table.
Heading into the game, Manchester United were the marginal favourites considering their form and Liverpool’s injury woes, but the hosts started the better of the two teams.
Liverpool controlled the game well while Manchester United were happy to defend and hit the Reds on the break. Although Liverpool had more shots and ball-possession, Manchester United perhaps had the more clear-cut openings, with Alisson Becker making some good saves.
However, the draw meant that Liverpool failed to wrestle back top place from the unexpected league leaders. On that note, let's take a look at five main talking points from the game:
#1 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United play it safe again
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a clear blueprint of approach the big games for Manchester United: by playing it safe.
It is easy to see why. Manchester United have improved defensively after some shambolic performances during the first few weeks of the season, and they clearly have the firepower to hurt teams on the counter-attack.
Moreover, it’s never a good idea to attack a team like Liverpool because they are at their best playing on the transition. But against a more structured defence and a low block, Liverpool have often failed to find goals this season.
Manchester United, themselves, did not conjure too many clear-cut chances, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be happy with the success of his game-plan. The only missing bit was the sucker punch on the counter-attacks.
#2 Liverpool’s lack of cutting edge in attack
Liverpool had a whopping 17 shots in total, but Manchester United custodian David de Gea barely had to do much work and largely had a comfortable outing. The defending champions often got to the opposition penalty area but were simply shut out by a low-block and did not have any ideas.
Thiago Alcantara’s ball-distribution was immaculate again. But the deliveries of the two Liverpool full-backs’ were often headed out by Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire, and the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah barely tested De Gea.
Jürgen Klopp’s side have now failed to score in their last three Premier League games, which is a big worry. In that regard, Diogo Jota’s return from his injury cannot come soon enough for Liverpool.
#3 Jordan Henderson and Fabinho does a good job in the Liverpool defence
When Liverpool announced their lineup devoid of a known centre-back, it left many fans worried. Although Fabinho has done a good job in defence, the presence of Jordan Henderson alongside him and not another centre-back against a team like Manchester United could have posed a few problems.
However, the two makeshift defenders did well together. Manchester United pressed Liverpool’s build-up play in patches, but when they did, Liverpool barely had any issues negating the same.
Defensively, there were a few moments when Henderson was caught out of position, but his recovery runs always put pressure on the Manchester United attackers.
Henderson finished the game with one tackle and six clearances, putting in a decent display in an unfamiliar position. Fabinho too was an absolute rock at the back and made some important blocks and tackles.
#4 Alisson Becker thwarts Manchester United
Manchester United could have won the game late in the day had it not been for Alisson Becker. The Brazilian’s save to deny a well-hit Paul Pogba shot in the final ten minutes was the best of the game and kept the score goalless.
Alisson was also called into action by Bruno Fernandes, but the Brazilian's quick footwork was enough to deny the Portuguese international.
Apart from his shot-stopping ability, Alisson was incredibly alert to deny the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford space in the final third. Manchester United often went direct to bypass the Liverpool midfield, but Alisson did his sweeper-keeper duties well in a top-class display.
#5 Manchester United happy with a point at Anfield
Manchester United will perhaps be the happier of the two teams, as their draw at Anfield ensured their three-point gap on Liverpool.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side still have a long way to go before they can win their 21st Premier League title, but games like this will help the team's confidence and belief.
Liverpool were not at their strongest, but they don’t drop points at Anfield too often, so Manchester United will be pleased with a point. After losing their last two league games at Anfield, Manchester United produced a much more composed display..
