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#3 Both Manchester United and Liverpool display defensive frailty
Both Manchester United and Liverpool had forgettable outings in defence.
A series of unfortunate injuries in the centre-back department have left Liverpool shorthanded. The Reds have largely played with an inexperienced back four all seaon and have also had to make emergency signings in the January transfer window.
In the aftermath of Virgil van Dijk ruling himself out of the Euros as he continues his recovery from the injury he picked up at the start of the season, there was extra focus on the youthful centre-back pairing Liverpool fielded at Manchester United.
At the other end, Manchester United’s defensive failings have also been well-documented this season. The recent loss of Harry Maguire due to injury did their suspect defence no favours.
As things turned out, questionable defending was a feature at both ends of the pitch. Liverpool erred at the back to concede an early opener but capitalised on slack defending from the hosts to fire three unanwered goals.
Both teams seemed to miss a calming, commanding presence in their respective backlines. Large gaps routinely opened up at both ends during the game, but it was Manchester United’s lack of organisation that ultimately became their undoing.
#4 Manchester United’s poor home form is in sharp contrast to their excellent run on the road
Although Manchester United occupy a creditable second place in the Premier League table, there has been a considerable disparity in their home and away form.
While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men boast an admirable unbeaten record on the road this season, they have faltered six times at home, which eventually cost them dear in the title race.
The lack of fans in attendance at grounds across the league this season might have played a part in Manchester United’s contrasting form. But that is a factor that is likely to change as early as the final few matches of the current campaign.
Nevertheless, if Manchester United are to mount a serious title challenge next season, Solskjaer's team will need to focus on improving their home form and make Old Trafford a fortress.
#5 Liverpool revive top-4 hopes with a late surge
Although a series of disappointing losses throughout the campaign have diminished Liverpool’s chances of finishing in the top four this season, they could still qualify for the Champions League next campaign.
While winning their remaining matches would be the absolute minimum, the Reds will also need to rely on results elsewhere to go their way to sneak into the top four.
Chelsea’s unexpected defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday would have come as welcome news for Liverpool ahead of their tussle against United. If Liverpool win their game in hand, they'll move to within a point off Chelsea with only two games left.
Following Chelsea's unexpected slip-up against Arsenal and Liverpool's win at Old Trafford, the 2020-21 Premier League top-four race is poised for a thrilling finish.
