Manchester United earned a spectacular point against Premier League leaders Liverpool after a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield.
Rubén Amorim’s team improved a lot against their archrival and took a deserved lead seven minutes after the break thanks to Lisandro Martínez.
But the Reds hit back with goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah from the penalty spot, which appeared to have left Arne Slot’s side eight points clear of the table.
But Amad Diallo would be a sting in the tail, with a good shot that beat Alisson and made the visiting fans ecstatic.
Slot’s team missed the opportunity to capitalize on the mistakes of their title rivals on Saturday. United, meanwhile, offered a defiant response to weeks of dire headlines following their recent dismal run.
Mail Sport’s LEWIS STEELE and CHRIS WHEELER were at Anfield to assess the performers on Sunday night.
Amad Diallo grabbed a point for Manchester United in a thrilling 2-2 draw on Sunday night.
Lisandro Martínez opened the scoring for Rubén Amorim’s men in the 52nd minute at Anfield
In-form striker Cody Gakpo scored at Anfield to restore parity between the Premier League leaders
Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Alisson – 6.5
He didn’t face a single shot on target at West Ham on Sunday, nor after the sixth minute against Leicester on Boxing Day, but he finally had work to do late in the first half here and strongly denied Hojlund. He could do little for United’s goals.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4 (Reserved)
A tough afternoon with the experts (and a small minority of fans) behind them. Very bad defensively but he scored the penalty to make it 2-1.
Ibrahima Konate – 6.5
Great presence back in the team after a month on the sidelines. I would have liked to have done better with United’s goals.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
He rescued Liverpool several times by covering for his teammates’ mistakes. He had several angry complaints about careless mistakes by other defenders.
Andy Robertson – 5
He allowed Amad to cross too easily for United to tie at 2-2. Before that he had been decent.
Trent Alexander-Arnold had a night to forget for the home team and was later substituted.
Andrew Robertson was at fault for the goal that allowed Manchester United to earn a late equaliser.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7
A super footballer who slides across the field. He could have had a couple of assists if he had finished better.
Alexis MacAllister – 8
He never makes the headlines but, along with Van Dijk and Salah, he is Liverpool’s lord consistent. Dictates play and finds killer passes.
Mohamed Salah – 7
A quieter afternoon than normal, but one that marked the 21st of the season with a prolific penalty. I didn’t even think he’d miss it.
Curtis Jones – 6.5
Constant source of energy in the midfield and a lot of effort but in an offensive and defensive sense. But he didn’t impact the game enough in the final third.
Cody Gakpo – 7.5
Last week he was a “maybe” at his best in a Reds jersey; now upgrade that to “definitely”. Excellent composure and finishing to match.
Luis Diaz – 5.5
He has been brilliant in recent weeks for Liverpool, but Diaz couldn’t control what he usually does here.
Alexis Mac Allister was Liverpool’s best player and boosted the home team with his tenacity.
Mohamed Salah had a quiet night but scored his usual goal to reach his 21st of the season.
Substitutes
Darwin Núñez (by Díaz, 60min) – 6 (Warned)
Diogo Jota (by Jones, 60) – 6
Conor Bradley (by Alexander-Arnold, 86 min)
Harvey Elliott (by Gakpo, 87)
Unused subs: Kelleher, Endo, Chiesa, Tsimikas, Quansah.
Manager
Arne Slot – 6
It wasn’t Liverpool’s best performance this season: they didn’t create enough and looked open on the counterattack.
Referee
Michael Oliver – 5
I got the big decisions right. The only question is why he needed VAR to help him award the penalty.
MAN UTD (3-4-3)
André Onana made great saves that contributed to Manchester United’s spirited point.
Matthijs de Ligt was beaten by Gakpo in Liverpool’s first match before conceding his penalty.
André Onana 6.5
Made some big saves, especially from Mac Allister. No chance with Gakpo’s shot or Salah’s penalty although he got his hand in.
Matthijs de Ligt 5
Gakpo left him on his back for the first goal and then conceded the penalty for the second with a high arm.
Harry Maguire6.5
Amorim wants me to be more of a leader and this was a very good start. He could have beaten it to the death, but he shot.
Lisandro Martínez 7
He scored the first goal after a great interception and also set up Hojlund’s chance. Better defensively too.
Noussair Mazraoui 6.5
It cooled under pressure at the back and also moved forward effectively. Continue to impress on this team.
Manuel Ugarte enjoyed his best performance in the Man United shirt alongside Kobbie Mainoo
Diogo Dalot made Alexander-Arnold’s night a misery for Manchester United’s left side
Manuel Ugarte 7
United needed his combative attitude and he did not let them down, but was out of position to get the equalizer.
Kobbie Mainoo 7
His form has dipped, but this was much closer. He overcame the initial blow and put in a really strong performance in midfield.
Diogo Dalot 7.5
He gave Alexander-Arnold a chase as United threatened down the left. Good defensive work with Salah also despite the early warning.
Amad Diallo 7
He scored another great goal against Liverpool, correcting the mistake of calculating a header in front of the goal after a Dalot cross.
Captain Bruno Fernandes led from the front and inspired his team on their return from suspension
Rubén Amorim had a few more days on the training ground with his United and it showed
Rasmus Hojlund 6
He was never going to get many opportunities and he couldn’t take advantage of them when he was one on one with Alisson.
Bruno Fernandez 8
He returned from suspension to lead his team and was involved in United’s best moments, including both goals.
Substitutes
Bayindir, Malacia, Yoro (by De Ligt 83, 7), Casemiro, Collyer, Eriksen, Antony, Garnacho (by Mainoo 72, 6.5), Zirkzee (by Hojlund 86)
head coach
Ruben Amorim 7
This week he had a few more days to work with his players on the training ground and it showed. Great improvement.