EPL Index
·5 janvier 2025
EPL Index
·5 janvier 2025
Liverpool and Manchester United served up a captivating Premier League contest at Anfield, where late drama ensured both sides took a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw. This historic fixture, often drenched in emotion and intensity, did not disappoint as both clubs battled relentlessly for supremacy.
Despite contrasting recent form, with Liverpool entering as favourites, Manchester United displayed a level of resilience and tactical sharpness absent in their previous outings. United’s determination to bounce back from their poor showing against Newcastle was evident from the opening whistle.
Photo by IMAGO
The opening exchanges saw Liverpool attempting to dictate play, but Manchester United’s tactical setup thwarted their attacking rhythm. Cody Gakpo provided Liverpool’s primary threat early on, coming close to opening the scoring within the first 30 minutes.
Nevertheless, United posed consistent danger, particularly down Liverpool’s right flank. Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund exploited space on multiple occasions. Dalot’s inviting cross for Amad Diallo went unconverted before Hojlund was denied by an alert Alisson in a one-on-one situation. Both sides headed into the break with the scoreline goalless but the tension palpable.
The second half began with United maintaining their momentum. Their persistence paid off when Lisandro Martinez, known more for his defensive prowess, produced a brilliant finish following a clever reverse pass from Bruno Fernandes. The visitors’ lead, however, was short-lived.
Cody Gakpo, in sparkling form, responded with a goal for Liverpool moments later. The Dutch forward’s composed finish, after wrong-footing Matthijs de Ligt, brought the home crowd to life.
Liverpool completed the turnaround from the penalty spot. De Ligt’s raised hand inadvertently blocked an Alexis Mac Allister header, prompting VAR intervention. Mohamed Salah, ever-reliable from 12 yards, made no mistake, sending Andre Onana the wrong way.
Photo by IMAGO
United’s resolve remained unshaken, and they clawed back into the game through Amad Diallo. The winger, flourishing under manager Amorim, latched onto another incisive move down Liverpool’s right and finished coolly to level proceedings.
The closing minutes were frenetic, with both teams creating chances to snatch victory. The best of these fell to Harry Maguire, who squandered a gilt-edged opportunity in the dying moments. In the end, Liverpool were left frustrated, unable to capitalise on Arsenal’s earlier slip-up against Brighton.
Alisson – 5.7/10 Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6.7/10 Ibrahima Konate – 7.5/10 Virgil van Dijk – 6.8/10 Andy Robertson – 6.5/10 Ryan Gravenberch – 6.9/10 Alexis Mac Allister – 7.8/10 Curtis Jones – 6.5/10 Mohamed Salah – 7.5/10 Luis Diaz – 6.4/10 Cody Gakpo – 7.7/10
Substitutes: Darwin Nunez (6.4), Diogo Jota (6.1), Conor Bradley (6.4), Harvey Elliott (6.1).
Andre Onana – 6.7/10 Matthijs de Ligt – 6.2/10 Harry Maguire – 7.1/10 Lisandro Martinez – 8.2/10 Noussair Mazraoui – 7.4/10 Manuel Ugarte – 7.1/10 Kobbie Mainoo – 6.7/10 Diogo Dalot – 7.9/10 Bruno Fernandes – 8.7/10 (Player of the Match) Amad Diallo – 8.0/10 Rasmus Hojlund – 6.4/10
Substitutes: Alejandro Garnacho (6.0), Leny Yoro (6.1), Joshua Zirkzee (6.3).
While Manchester United will be buoyed by their fighting spirit, Liverpool’s inability to secure all three points leaves them ruing missed opportunities. With the Premier League title race heating up, every point counts, and both teams know that improvements are necessary in the weeks ahead.