Liverpool squander chance to pull away in title race after draw | OneFootball

Liverpool missed a golden opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table, drawing 2-2 with Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.

With Arsenal’s earlier draw offering them the chance to extend their six-point advantage, Arne Slot’s men were left ruing a lacklustre defensive display and missed chances.

The snowy conditions at Anfield did little to dampen the fiery atmosphere, as Lisandro Martinez’s thunderous opener stunned the home crowd.

Cody Gakpo responded with a clinical strike, and Mohamed Salah’s penalty appeared to set Liverpool on course for three points. Amad Diallo’s late equaliser ensured the spoils were shared.

Slot admitted the result felt like two points dropped. Reflecting on the missed opportunities, he highlighted Virgil van Dijk’s late chance that could have sealed victory.

“Of course, what stays in people’s heads is the big chance for [Harry] Maguire at the end,” he said. “But two minutes earlier, Virgil had a similar opportunity to make it 3-2 for us.”

Liverpool’s struggles were evident in their inability to control the game after going ahead.

United, buoyed by the return of key players such as Bruno Fernandes, kept the ball in the air and disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm with long balls and set pieces.

Slot acknowledged the difficulty of taking control of the game. “Every time we had control, their goalkeeper hit it long, and the ball became open again,” he explained.

The result halted Liverpool’s momentum but also underscored the tightening race at the top. Arsenal remain within striking distance, and Manchester City’s recent resurgence adds further pressure.

Slot recognised the need for better composure in crucial moments, especially with the league’s top teams showing signs of improvement.

United deserve credit for a disciplined and determined display. Ruben Amorim’s side ended a four-match losing streak and finally broke their goal drought at Anfield.

Diallo’s equaliser epitomised their resilience, while Maguire’s late miss was a reminder of their lingering inefficiency in front of goal.

Liverpool remain top, but the draw leaves them with questions to answer. Can they maintain their edge, or will these dropped points prove costly in their pursuit of a first Premier League title under Slot?

For now, the frustration of a missed opportunity will linger at Anfield.