Manchester United escape Liverpool with hard fought 0-0 draw at Anfield

After being handed a 3-0 loss by Bournemouth at Old Trafford, it was safe to assume that Liverpool vs Manchester United would end in an easy victory for the hosts. But instead, Erik Ten Hag’s men put in a remarkable performance to come back from Anfield with a clean sheet, becoming the first Premier League club to stop Liverpool from scoring at their home ground this season. 

Moreover, they also drew for the first time this season, earning one point from a fixture they were not expected to win. As a result, Liverpool head into next week’s crunch tie against Arsenal one point behind them, after being on top of the table last week. 

Manchester United salvage a point against Liverpool in spite of blunt attacking display

Liverpool had an xG of 2.35 while United had a mere 0.63. A stellar performance from Raphael Varane was to thank for the clean sheet, in spite of the hosts registering 34 shots. They lacked the quality to convert them into goals, with only eight on target. 

Rasmus Hojlund could have stolen a win for the visitors with a late goal on the counter. But, the striker was denied his first Premier League goal by Alisson, who charged out to block the shot. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold took control of the game when he moved into midfield, replacing Dominik Szoboszlai, and was very threatening, finding through balls across the field. But the team had nothing to show for his creativity in midfield, with no goals coming their way. 

Diogo Dalot was sent off late in the game for needless dissent, and will miss their next game. Manchester United are up against a spirited Aston Villa, while Liverpool play Arsenal in a major top of the table clash.