Eternal rivals, Manchester United and Liverpool locked horns for the second time this season in the Premier League, renewing their long-standing rivalry.
Both Man United and Liverpool are approaching the end of sharply contrasting seasons and both, needed of all three points at the end of a frenetic 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
The good: Super goals and a spirited Man United
This spectacle was nothing short of entertaining. One to keep any football fan on the edge of their seats. A match with an effervescence of goals written all over it surely delivered.
After Luiz Diaz scored a sensational goal at the Stretford end of Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes fortuitously, restored parity for Manchester United after pouncing on an awkward pass from Liverpool’s Quansah. The Manchester United skipper pounced on it without hesitation from several yards out after spotting Kelleher of his line.
Teenage sensation, Kobbie Mainoo, has been a revelation this season and continues to deliver. The 18-year-old struck a curler to give Manchester the lead in the season.
What a season he’s having. He has gradually worked his way into becoming a regular starter at Old Trafford and who knows he might well sneak into Southgate’s squad for the Euros.
Advantage Arsenal in the Premier League title run-in#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/UHk3eDZyoQ
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) April 7, 2024
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Mohammed Salah missed several chances that came his way but showed composure under pressure to become the first opposition player to score in four consecutive visits to United.
The bad: Will Liverpool regret their wastefulness
In the grand scheme of things, both teams were poor in front of goal.
The 2-2 scoreline paints a different picture of what transpired. Chances were at a premium yet both teams failed to latch onto most of them.
Liverpool at halftime, had a total of 15 shots calling Andre Onana into action on several occasions. Most of them fell to Darwin Nunez and Mo Sallah but they flopped their lines when it came down to pulling the trigger.
For much of the match, Klopp, seemed anxious and animated, hardly believing that his team had put itself in a situation where they might even lose at Old Trafford.
The ugly: Share of the spoilsÂ
Erik ten Hag and his charges needed a win to keep their hopes of European football alive. Man United sit sixth on the league table far off the pace with regards to qualifying for the UEFA Champions League and might just have to settle for a place in the Conference league next season.
Liverpool have struggled against the top six this season.
Will they still win the title?#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/vS3Fna9WAk
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) April 7, 2024
Liverpool will know better than anyone this was a huge chance missed to reassert their authority in the title race and needed a win to continue their push in the final chapter of Jurgen Klopp’s remarkable spell at Merseyside. A draw on paper is not too damaging for Liverpool as they are still in contention for the title, but as it stands, Arsenal lead the way.