Manchester United held leaders Liverpool to a 1-1 draw and thus ended the 17 game winning streak that the Merseyside team started back in March. Marcus Rashford scored 8 minutes from the half time whistle, following a controversial foul on Liverpool’s Divock Origi in the buildup to the goal. Liverpool were never at their best in the game as United put on a tactical game plan to thwart the Reds free flowing movements. Adam Lallana came off the bench to score the equiliser, a goal after almost 2 years for the Englishman.
Alisson Becker – 6
Made his first start since the opening day of the season, to replace Spaniard Adrian between the sticks. Couldn’t do anything more in Rashford goal. Distribution excellent. Amazingly calm on the ball and is very good with his feet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5
Poor display from the Scouser. Probably tired after a trip to Bulgaria with England. Lacked his sharpness during the game. Hacked off by Young at times. The game brings us back to questioning his defensive ability against teams playing tactically.
Joel Matip – 6
The Cameroon international who, recently signed a new 5 gear deal with the Reds, came into the game following an injury which he sustained in the Sheffield game 22 days ago. A difficult game to come after an injury as he was up against a much fast paced Marcus Rashford. Found in no man’s land and the biggest guilty party for the goal.
Virgil Van Dijk – 6.5
His performances have dipped a bit this season. The Dutch centre half whacked any potential danger apart from the Rashford goal. Aerially strong as ever. 5 clearances and 89% passing accuracy. Long balls were also really accurate.
Andrew Robertson – 8 MoTM
A huge game from the Scotland Captain. Pulled Liverpool out of deep trouble at times. His menacing runs, piercing through the United defence created a lot of chances every now and then. A good cross to supply the ball to Lallana.
Fabinho Tavares – 5
A rare off game from the Brazilian. The ever industrious Fabinho, could never find his feet because of the micromanaging of Fred and McTominay. Passing lacked any rhythm and accuracy. His chemistry with the rest of the squad was off balance. Booked.
Jordon Henderson – 5.5
The Liverpool Captain was probably another one who looked a bit rusty following a long trip to Bulgaria. He played both of England’s international break and hence a low work rate although he led attacks really well at times.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 6
Another midfielder who wasn’t offered any sort of room. Did some decent work offensively but couldn’t deal with the press of the United defenders. A rare sight to see him being being off colours.
Sadio Mane – 6.5
The Senegalese also did some long travelling during the international break as he went to Singapore to face Roberto Firmino’s Brazil. Did cause some problems to United’s back three. Looked the most threatening out of the bunch to score.
Roberto Firmino – 6
Off game from ‘Bobby’. Looked a bit leggy towards the end and was pressed highly. Shot astronomically in a half chance. Should’ve done well at a couple of instances. His shots lacked any venom.
Divock Origi – 6
Opened the game really well for Liverpool and created two chances in quick succession. Couldnt convert his fine start into a good game.
Substitutes –
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain – 6.5
Did some good work coming on in place of the hapless Origi. His shot was only just off the mark. Needs more game time to induce more rhythm.
Naby Keita – N/A
Came in for Wijnaldum in the 82nd minute and played a role in the buildup to the equaliser.
Adam Lallana – 7
The goal would give him a huge boost of confidence. Tapped in effective to get a point for the Reds.
