The “Biggest game in English Football” failed to live to its billing. Liverpool dominated possession and lead many statistics. However, they forgot to find the back of the net. Manchester United followed their usual game plan at Anfield without any thought process of their position in the League table. The key players did not impact the game as they liked though some heroes stood up at crucial moments to prevent the game from being a disaster for their respective sides.
Neutralized Tactics
The Liverpool – Manchester United game failed to provide the spark. The flawed tactical plans put out by Jurgen Klopp and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer neutralized each other. Liverpool lacked punch in their attack, while United lacked inspiration. Liverpool in possession breached many passing records but failed in creating goals. United did have moments in the game they were desperate for but did not capitalize on the opportunity presented. As such, the biggest winners from this game are Manchester City, who see their chances of getting their hands again on the Premier League trophy boosted.
Misfiring Front Three
The problem everyone is eager to know is what is ailing the Liverpool front three? Is it because of Liverpool’s injured back line or the lesser creativity of the full-backs? Liverpool’s magical triumvirates are losing their usual killer instinct in front of goal. Nowadays, the understanding between them seems to have vanished. Roberto Firmino was the biggest miss of the three. He was not involved much from the midfield and did not find himself in the goal scoring positions. Finishing has also been a problem for Mohamed Salah in recent weeks. The trend continued taking his goalless tally to four Premier League games. As for Sadio Mané, he was preoccupied with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, trying too hard to overcome him. Diogo Jota is seriously being missed. Liverpool needs him back as soon as possible.
Fading Midfield
Anfield debutant Thiago Alcantara started pretty well and played a decent first half. He glided through the first line and second line of the United defense with ease but could not fluster any chances for his forwards. In the second half, he was marked out and faded badly as the game went on. Xherdan Shaqiri did find spaces in the first 20 minutes but was soon shackled and was substituted. Georginio Wijnaldum lacked inspiration and was lost in the middle seeing too many bodies in front of him. The energy from the Liverpool midfield is slowly vanishing. Jordan Henderson needs to be slotted in the middle, as soon as possible, for the Liverpool machine to work again.
Inspirational Alisson Becker
Liverpool’s defense is the only positive from the match. This was down to one man – Alisson Becker. He looked unbeatable and saved Liverpool from an Anfield defeat to their bitter rivals. His passing from the back was exemplary as well. Moreover, the makeshift center-backs, Fabinho and Henderson, did not put one foot wrong and restricted the shots on goal from Man United. However, Trent Alexander Arnold made too many rash decisions, allowing Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial to break on him. His crosses weren’t on the mark as well.
The title showdown failed to give any indication of where the title might end up. As such, the title is still up for grabs. Manchester City have the upper hand at the moment. But we can expect many twists and turns until the curtain finally drops for the season. Until then, may the excitement and unpredictability continue!
Bruno ❌
Pogba ❌Alisson coming up big for Liverpool ? pic.twitter.com/xeu6Eaeykt
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 17, 2021