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Sunday's feature clash at Old Trafford saw Manchester United and Liverpool share points, with Marcus Rashford and Adam Lallana scoring for their respective sides. The result means Liverpool's lead at the top has been reduced to six points, as Manchester City secured a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
United took the lead in the 36th minute after Rashford tapped in from close range, off a Daniel James cross. Liverpool had a chance to equalise a few moments later but Sadio Mane's effort was ruled out by VAR, with the Senegalese winger having handled the ball during the build-up.
Liverpool looked defensive for most parts of the first half and lacked the necessary penetration till the moment they equalized through Lallana in the 85th minute. The visitors would be the more dejected of the two sides, as they dropped points for the first time after winning eight on the spin.
On that note, let us take a look at the three reasons why Liverpool were held at Old Trafford.
#3 Liverpool lacked penetration while going forward
Jurgen Klopp made a few changes to his side, with Alisson Becker, Joel Matip, Jordan Henderson and Divock Origi coming in for Adrian, Dejan Lovren, James Milner and Mo Salah. Klopp went in with a conservative approach as he looked to hit United on the counter.
The game saw Liverpool have vast share of possession, but they failed to convert that into meaningful chances. They were then handed a major scare as United took the lead against the run of play.
Despite falling behind Liverpool had a chance to score in the early moments of the first half, but Firmino's effort was dealt with comfortably by David De Gea. The likes of Gini Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson did not contribute much to link-up play; instead, the front three were made to feed off scraps for most of the game.
United held their defensive shape well and did not allow the likes of Robertson and Alexander-Arnold to deliver teasing crosses into the box. Overall, Liverpool did not create enough from the wings, an area from which they usually create a plethora of opportunities.
Liverpool lost two points in a game which was there for the taking; they just needed to be a bit braver in the final third of the pitch.
#2 Second half substitutions helped the visitors regain their spark
Liverpool lacked innovation and ideas in the final third of the pitch early on, and the prospect of defeat seemed very real for vast stretches of the match. In order to restore parity, Jurgen Klopp made a few changes in the second half - and that saw a massive change in the way Liverpool attacked.
Adam Lallana, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita came on in place of Divock Origi, Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum respectively. And the trio linked up pretty well to ensure their side did not leave Old Trafford empty-handed.
The 83rd minute saw Chamberlain, Firmino, Fabinho and Robertson combine to break a resolute United defence, after which Lallana ghosted his way past Ashley Young to score from close range. After getting the equaliser, Liverpool forced United to defend in their own half and created few more chances to scare the hosts.
Oxlade-Chamberlain linked up with Firmino and found himself with some free space in which he drifted and launched a shot that whizzed past De Gea's left hand side. The Reds had another chance to score from the corner, but the cross was well intercepted before Fabinho had could line up for a free header.
Liverpool left it late in the second half to create a few meaningful opportunities, but they would be thankful that the second half reinforcements at least helped them get the equalizer.
#1 A controversial decision, and Salah's absence
It can be argued that a few crucial decisions went against the visitors on a night when they were left frustrated by a resolute United side.
Liverpool fell behind through Rasford's strike in the 36th minute, but during the build-up to that goal it seemed as though Divock Origi was caught by Victor Lindelof. Replays showed that the Swedish international had caught Origi around his calf. At the same time Andy Robertson was caught out of possession, which allowed Daniel James to run down the left and assist Rashford.
This incident could have been significant had VAR intervened and reversed the on-field official's decision. The entire result could have changed had United's goal been disallowed over the foul on Origi.
In addition, Liverpool clearly missed Salah in the game. In spite of having a dismal record against United, Salah could have made his trademark off the ball runs to draw defenders out of position. That could have worked massively in Liverpool's favour as it would have allowed Mane and Firmino some free space to exploit.
Origi did not make enough runs and failed to stretch United's defence, as a result of which he was substituted at the hour mark.
