Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United: A Review Of A Lackluster Encounter

Liverpool missed a crucial opportunity to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League after settling for a goalless draw against Manchester United at Anfield.

This result saw the Reds drop to second place, trailing leaders Arsenal by just one point, who they are set to face at home next Saturday.

Despite Jurgen Klopp’s team dominating possession, their inability to capitalise on opportunities proved costly, forcing them to settle for a single point.

This outcome was insufficient to surpass Arsenal, who secured an earlier victory against Brighton, propelling them to the league’s summit.

Anfield witnessed a significant turnout with the newly expanded upper tier of the Anfield Road Stand accommodating 57,158 spectators.

The intense rivalry saw Manchester United conclude the match with 10 men following Diogo Dalot’s dismissal due to a second bookable offense.

For a detailed breakdown of Liverpool’s noteworthy performance and a focus on Wataru Endo’s contributions, LFC Transfer Room’s Damon Carr (@da9mon) provides an insightful analysis.

Liverpool missed the chance to move back to the top of the Premier League. What do make of the Reds’ performance?

Damon: I thought the performance was drab. It’s been like this majority of the season if we are honest.
We have shown title-winning mentality this season, very much like 2020. Unfortunately, our performances have been vastly underwhelming. Unless performances improve, then results like this will come. If we want to win the title, we have got to show it.

This could arguably be the best game for Wataru Endo. What a display in the middle of the park!

Damon: Best game for Endo? I might have watched a different match then. He was good on the ball but off it, he was wreckless and unaware of runners.

Endo was one of the better performers today but it doesn’t say a lot when not many performed. I like Endo. Great squad player. But the lack of backing by FSG is showing massively now.

Jurgen Klopp’s attack has not been firing from all cylinders this season. A cause for concern?

Damon: Of course, it’s a sign of concern. You buy attackers to score or get you goals. If Salah isn’t scoring or Jota is out, we struggle to get these match-winners at times.

Diaz and Nunez have bags of potential but it’s time to put up or shut up when it comes it. They frustrate the life out of me. Both make the wrong choices constantly. Diaz is becoming too predictable to the point that Antony defending easily against him. Nunez is either offside and doesn’t know what to do with the ball when he’s onside.

Both are cracking players and I want to keep faith in them but they need to give me reason to do so.

Liverpool face West Ham United next in the Carabao Cup. Any changes you would like Klopp to make?

Damon: I want the players who deserve to start play against West Ham midweek. The ones who when getting a chance they are taking it.

Too many times I’ve seen some players go missing and at Liverpool, it’s not good enough. We should go out and win the Carabao Cup. Play the team to do so.

I’d like to see Quansah alongside Van Dijk, Konate hasn’t done much wrong but it’ll be interesting to see. I’d have Grav and Elliot alongside Endo. When are Baj and Thiago back? I miss them, man.

Up top – Gakpo and Salah on either side of Gordon. Giving Gordon another chance, alongside these two players just to see.

The Reds will host Arsenal this Saturday. Who do you think should start for Liverpool?

Damon: The Arsenal match starting lineup depends on what players want it. It’s a huge game. Arsenal top now and we need to show that we are ready to fight.

If someone stands out midweek then so be it. No one is big enough to get dropped. We have got to keep standards. If we don’t, then the league title can easily slip away.

Read More Liverpool Coverage:

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United: A Review Of A Lackluster Encounter

ByJoseph Agbobli