In the tightest of title races, this felt like a huge blow for Liverpool.
Quite how Jurgen Klopp’s men contrived to throw away two points at Old Trafford is anyone’s guess because they should have been out of sight by half time. Instead, Liverpool handed the title initiative to Arsenal who stay top on goal difference but just one point separates the top three as Manchester City will also be delighted with the outcome.
They are fine margins at the top and that is why any slip-up at this stage could be so costly with just seven games left in what could be the most nail-biting title race in Premier League history. Manchester United will take great delight in upsetting Liverpool’s title charge and Kobbie Mainoo’s wonder strike even put them on course for the most unlikely victory.
But United will be cursing themselves for blowing it with just six minutes left when Aaron Wan-Bissaka undid all their good work with a brainless challenge on Harvey Elliott to gift Liverpool a late penalty. Mo Salah kept his nerve from the spot and at least rescued a point for Liverpool to leave United fans scratching their heads and wondering whether they should be happy or sad at the outcome.
There was no such indecision for Liverpool because they will be wondering how they did not win. Incredibly, Liverpool had 28 shots to United’s nine. Their finishing was sloppy. United’s defending was desperate with the home side’s back four held together by keeper Andre Onana and rookie defender Willy Kambwala.
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Even Liverpool’s 7-0 win over United at Anfield last season was not as one-sided as this. In that game last March, Liverpool only had 18 shots - eight on target - and punished United at every turn. This time, Liverpool were sloppy and frustrating. Klopp got increasingly angry on the touchline, his face contorted in fury at times as this was an opportunity missed.
And if Liverpool do miss out on the title by a point and Klopp does not get his dream goodbye then United fans will remember this day as when they spoiled it all for their fiercest rivals. It was another cracker as, just three weeks on from their seven goal FA Cup classic, this provided more drama and twists and turns.
How costly might this result be for Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section
Luis Diaz's goal was all Liverpool had to show for their first-half dominance (CameraSport via Getty Images)Liverpool deserved to go ahead after 23 minutes. Andy Robertson’s corner was flicked on by Darwin Nunez and there was Luiz Diaz completely unmarked to fire home from close range. Liverpool had so many more chances. Dominik Szoboszlai had three openings. Onana denied Salah. Nunez smashed a chance over the bar. It could have been 4-0 by half time.
The visitors did not look remotely in danger when suddenly they pressed the self-destruct button. Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah’s horrible square pass went straight to Bruno Fernandes and the United skipper hit a sensational first time shot from 50 yards into an empty net with keeper Caoimhin Kelleher stranded.
It put United level after 50 minutes with their first shot on target. But it got even better for United. Mainoo has been carrying this United team on his shoulders for so long that even he looked tired.
Kobbie Mainoo's goal wasn't quite enough to earn United all three points (Manchester United via Getty Imag)But Mainoo found some energy from somewhere and, in front of England No2 Steve Holland, turned on the edge of the Liverpool box and then curled a sensational shot just inside the far post. What a goal.
But United blew it with the clock ticking down. Wan-Bissaka made a crazy lunge at Liverpool substitute Harvey Elliott who was actually heading away from goal. Salah kept his nerve to slot home.
Liverpool even had chances to win it. Diaz slashed over from close range while Elliott also had a last gasp shot saved by Onana. But you feel this might not the last twice in the race.
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