Manchester United and Liverpool played of the most engaging North-west Derbies in recent history, unlike the counter leg at Anfield. This match at Old Trafford was a complete contract that the game at Anfield.
Hard Working Liverpool:
In totality, Liverpool looked much more energetic and eager. They put in much more effort to close down players and win back possession. They put in more miles on the pitch all throughout the game. Klopp set up a blueprint to shut down United’s midfield. And his players replicated that perfectly on the pitch. Eighteen-year-old Alexander-Arnold put a great show in the back line as he kept Antony Martial at bay for most of the match.
No show Pogba:
Paul Pogba, sporting a new haircut (replicating his new Twitter Emoji), did very little to make an impact on the field. This was easily one of his bad days since rejoining United in the summer. Nothing worked for him. And he was virtually non-existent while performing defensive duties. He was the one who gave away the penalty in the first half after handling the ball.
Coutinho’s Introduction:
Jurgen Klopp brought Phillip Coutinho into the game to give United’s back line some problems. And he did just that. From the minute he was on the pitch he managed to find spaces in between the midfield and the defence. His cheeky little pass nearly found Firmino, whose shot was in turn saved by De Gea.
Zlatan Time:
At the age of 35 Zlatan Ibrahimovic is pulling out performances that would but any young striker to shame. This held true even in this match. As United clawed back into the game via a Zlatan equaliser. This came as Ibra headed the ball into the head from an Antonio Valencia cross. At the age when most strikers decide to hang up their boots, Zlatan is not only playing in the most competitive league in the world but is scoring goals almost every weekend.
Mignolet Saves:
Simon Mignolet put a great show in goal. He made two great saves to deny United from scoring. He stopped Mkhitaryan from scoring after he stood tall and blocked the shot from close range. He brilliantly saved a Zlatan free kick where he got down low and clawed the ball out which was destined for the bottom corner.
