LIVERPOOL 0, MAN UNITED 0
Manchester United’s defensive masterclass at champions Liverpool ensured they remained top of the Premier League.
It was also a case of what might have been as at the opposite end Ole Gunnar Solsjaer’s side had the best two chances in the final 15 minutes of an uninspiring clash in what is regarded as the biggest fixture in the domestic calendar.
Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba were both denied by brilliant saves from Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
The point extended United’s unbeaten away run in the Premier League to 16 matches, their best run on the road since 1999, their treble-winning campaign.
By contrast Liverpool, with only one goal in their last three league matches, only forced David De Gea into one serious save as they have endured a worrying dip in form. They are without a win in four league matches.
This was also the first time in 43 home games Liverpool had failed to score, testimony to how well United defended. The back four was rock solid with Scott McTominay and Fred providing a further shield in front of them.
And in a game of few clear-cut chances for either side, United had the two best opportunities to record a first win at Anfield five years to the day after their last victory.
Embed from Getty ImagesSolskjaer had contrasting emotions: “It’s only a good result if we win the next game.
“It was an opportunity missed with the chances we had, but then again we were playing a very good side. I’m disappointed but still a point is OK if you win the next one.
“We were stronger towards the end. We didn’t start at all in the first half. We didn’t have any composure or try to impose ourselves.
“The players are disappointed we did not win and came away with one point. The mood is getting better and there is a hunger in this team.
“The team is working hard for each other. We have improved and progressed. It’s not just the result we’re disappointed with, it’s some of the performance. I know these boys can play better.
“Fair play to them – with two central midfielders at the back and to defend as well as they did shows their quality.”
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson said: “We are a little disappointed we haven’t taken three points at home. I thought we did enough to win the game, especially first half. We had a lot of the ball we created chanced but just couldn’t find the back of the net.
“Yes, they had one or two chances – they were dangerous on the counter – but overall I thought we were the better team to win the game.
“I would say the performance levels haven’t been up to our standards in the past few week. We just showed that we have got to keep going, work hard and improving. We will not stop now.”
Solskjaer made three changes following their 1-0 win at Burnley in midweek, with Edinson Cavani, Eric Bailly and Nemanja Matic all dropping to the bench.
Victor Lindelof, Fred and McTominay returned to the starting line-up.
Xherdan Shaqiri made his first Premier League start of the season in an attacking Liverpool side with Klopp having to partner midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in the centre of defence once more due to the lack of recognised defenders in the absence of Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomes and Joel Matip.
The players lined up around the centre circle before the match for one minute’s applause in memory of Gerry Marsden as this was the first match since the death of the musician whose iconic hit ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ is Liverpool’s anthem.
The match was a slow burner in the early stages as it failed to sparkle and live up to the pre-match hype.
Liverpool gradually began to create openings as Roberto Firmino, Shaqiri twice and Mo Salah all had goal attempts, but each was off target.
United had their first goal attempt in the 34th minute after Shaqiri was booked for a foul on Luke Shaw 25 yards from goal.
Fernandes’ free kick whistled past the upright with keeper Alison Becker comprehensively beaten.
It was the longest they had taken to create a goal attempt in a game since their visit to Anfield in January 2020 when it took until the 40th minute.
Firmino had the first strike on target 10 minutes before the break, but it was straight at David De Gea.
United made a first change on the hour as Cavani replaced Anthony Martial.
It was not until midway through the second period that United had their first on target goal attempt when Fernandes fired low and straight at Alisson Becker.
United came close to snatching a 75th minute lead with the best chance of the match.
Luke Shaw cut the ball back from the by-line and Fernandes’ shot from six yards was kept out by the legs of Alisson.
That was quickly followed by Liverpool’s best opening when a 25-yard drive from Thiago Alcantara was well beaten away by De Gea.
Alisson produced a brilliant save to deny Pogba from eight yards and he looked certain to covert Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross.
The Frenchman looked to the heavens in disbelief that he hadn’t scored.
Solskjaer sent on Mason Greenwood for Fernandes with two minutes left, a fresh pair of legs, though the Portuguese international had a rant as he showed his displeasure for being substituted.