Liverpool hosted their arch-rivals Manchester United at Anfield. Man United fans were expecting an easy game as United’s local rivals, Man City, defeated Liverpool a few weeks ago by a score of 5-0.

Manchester United was trailing Man City on the second spot before the game. As United and City had equal points on the top, United fans were expecting an attacking game against Liverpool who had won only one game in their last five games.

United boss, Jose Mourinho, revealed some surprising injury reports just before the game. Players with the likes of Eric Bailly and Marcus Rashford sustained a minor injury in the international duties.

The fans were dazed to see the starting lineup without these main players.

Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp, also made some minor changes in his starting-11. The manager started with Philippe Coutinho and dropped Daniel Sturridge from the wing position. Liverpool’s main wing player, Sadio Mane, was suspended for this game as he was sent off by the referee against Manchester City.

Liverpool stunned United in the first-half

In the first-half, Liverpool started the game with a possessive play. Most of the time they were keeping the ball in the United’s half. They came up with some lethal attacks but failed many times to complete the passes in the 18-yard box. Man United wasn’t in the mood to play an attacking game, rather they relied more on counterattacks.

Liverpool almost scored but a legendary save by the United’s goalkeeper, David de Gea, saved United from trailing in the first half. Man United also had a chance to score before the first-half when an outstanding linkup play between Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku almost gave United a one-goal lead, but a poor finishing by the striker Lukaku saved Liverpool’s day.

Neither side could break the deadlock in the second-half

Home and away fans were expecting to see some goals in the second-half after a goalless, but an action-packed first-half. The story of the second-half didn't change much as Liverpool was dominating the game on their home ground.

Jose Mourinho certainly had plans to park the bus as he was missing his key players due to injury.

Man United players focused more on defending again in the second-half and relied on counterattacks.

Liverpool again created some chances but couldn’t break through to the United’s defense. The match stats prove this as United didn’t attack at all in the second-half and Liverpool took ten shots in the second-half alone.
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