Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
With points dropped from a winning position on a cold and dreary day, we take a look at what it means for Arne Slot’s Reds. It was a miserably cold and rainy day in Liverpool as the Reds faced off against their rivals in the first match of the new year. The Reds looked off in the early going, with the ugly conditions seeming to affect the passing and overall fluidity of play. Liverpool had some early chances, but failed to really put their stamp on the match against a Manchester United side looking for a smash and grab. The visitors went ahead early in the second half, but Liverpool responded with two goals to go ahead in the 70th minute. It looked like the Reds would be likely to grab a third on the day, but some lazy defending saw the hated rivals draw level late instead to steal a point.
Below, we take a look at some winners and losers on the night, and attempt to disentangle narrative from fact.
Winners
Alexis Mac AllisterIt was a stellar performance by the diminutive midfielder. While much of the squad struggled in the first half, Mac Allister was the spark everywhere for the Reds. He popped up on the attacking end, almost finishing a fantastic volley on a ball over his shoulder, and provided the assist to Cody Gakpo for the opener. Mac Allister led the team in shots, key passes, dribbles, and tackles,
Cody GakpoWhile Liverpool’s attack struggled to find their usual fluidity and sharpness, Gakpo had the moment of brilliance that got the Reds back in the match. His sharp cut back put Harry Maguire on skates before the Dutchman rifled the ball into the far corner to tie the match 1-1. Gakpo also had two key passes on the day as well as two dribbles completed.
VAR?With Michael Oliver reticent to call one of the more obvious hand balls you’ll see out there (Martin Odegaard notwithstanding), VAR actually called the official over for another look. In the end, the second look was enough to correct the call and award Liverpool the penalty.
Moving Up The Record BoardsIt certainly wasn’t a vintage game from Mohamed Salah, but when the moment called he stepped up and slotted his penalty home. He now moves level with Thierry Henry for 175 goals in the Premier League, 7th all time in the league. Salah is now just two behind Frank Lampard.
Salah also ups his tally against the side he loves scoring against the most. He now has 16 goals against Manchester United in his career.
Losers
Trent Alexander ArnoldFor a team that has managed to keep their cool through all sorts of situations this season, it was indicative of how poor a performance Trent had when he drew the ire of Virgil van Dijk on multiple occasions. The sharp, incisive passing was not there today, and Alexander Arnold turned the ball over way too frequently. Perhaps the most frustrating was the seemingly lackadaisical tracking of runners and ball watching. That had a hand in both of Manchester United’s goals on the day.
Taking Advantage Of The TableLiverpool had a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table after chasers Arsenal and Chelsea were held earlier in the weekend. Instead, Liverpool conceded a late goal to give Manchester United a draw to keep the status quo.
From the Manager
“Of course, it feels for us as two points dropped.”
-Arne Slot
What Happens Next
Liverpool continue their busy January with a midweek trip to London on the books to take on Spurs in the first leg of the EFL Cup semifinals. The Reds will play eight matches over the course of January across all four competitions. Hold onto your butts.