Liverpool Vs Manchester United

Anfield

FS: 0-0

17th of January 2020

Liverpool approached this match defending a long undefeated home record, playing a revitalised Manchester United. The form coming into the match is a no win from the last 3 for the Reds with United recording 3 wins, form in particular the away form favours United.

Team new out of Anfield, highlighted the defensive frailties with Henderson filling in for the injured Joel Matip.

The early exchanges reflected the tactical battle anticipated, the Reds showing early dominance without actually troubling United’s goal. Thiago was a class act directing things and pushing the Reds into dangerous positions. The difference between the teams seems to be the quality of the passing, united unusually out of sorts and frequently losing the ball in midfield inviting pressure from the hosts.

30 mins in and it it was United who blink first shifting Pogba from an ineffective position on the United right to a more central role.

An unnecessary free kick conceded by Xherdan Shaqiri lead to the best chance of the half as Bruno Fernandes struck a beautiful free kick that flashed past Alison’s post, Liverpool countered and Firmino needed a stronger touch and it would have been 1-0 to the Reds.

The half played out with some pretty tepid play, the Reds having the best of the play without really offering a threat. Salah, Mane and Firminio not showing anything of their potency in front of goal. Tiago is the class act we all know him to be, but the Reds need more threat and greater conversion. United seem to be a team waiting for the opportunity to break and set pieces, we will see if their strong 2^nd half form come to create more threat.

The 2^nd half started as the 1^st half ended the Reds showing more dominance in the early stages, United started to show more promise, the back and forth continued. United bench was first to react with Cavani entering the match on the hour to replace Anthony Martial.

A mix up by Shaw offered Salah a clear sight of goal which was diverted away from goal for a corner.

65 mins and Fernandes hits United’s first clear shot on target straight at Alisson. A muddle in the Reds defence created a free kick for Rashford that was dealt with by the wall.

The Reds are clearly struggling the lack of form from both full backs has diminished the attacking threat the uncertainty of Firmino and his lack of providing the connection between the midfield and attack is proving a frustrating watch, just as the questions are being asked about United’s willingness to accept a draw and United attack down the left and only the feet of Allison deny United from a Shaw cross. The Reds have been warned.

Jones replaces Shaqiri the little Swiss master has proved good value.

Tiago opened up and clipped a shot just too close to De Gea, Liverpool’s best chance of the match, from Liverpool’s best player. 2 minutes later and again it is Tago coming onto a Wijunaldum pass but the shot is screwed wide.

A united break resulted in Pogba six yards out with only Alison to beat and the Brazilian saves the Reds again.

Origi is the Reds 2^nd substitute let’s hope he can show some threat, Mane shifts to the middle with Origi taking up a role on the right.

88 mins and Milner replace Wijnaldum, United replace a grumbling Fernandes with Greenwood.

A tame outcome for the Reds, no goals in four matches and some stella stops by Alison results in a match we could have lost and should have won……disappointing, Klopp will appreciate the clean sheet but he has to get the Reds firing and soon……with City to play later we could be 4^th by the end of the day…..its time Liverpool close on a central defender and fast!!

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