Manchester United secured a dramatic point against Premier League leaders Liverpool after a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield.
Ruben Amorim's team had improved greatly against their arch-rivals and took a deserved lead seven minutes after half-time through Lisandro Martinez.
But the Reds hit back with goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah from the spot, leaving Arne Slot's side looking eight points clear on the table.
But Amad Diallo would provide a sting in the tail, with a well-taken finish past Alisson to delight the away fans.
Slot's team missed the opportunity to capitalize on the mistakes of their title rival on Saturday. United, meanwhile, responded defiantly to weeks of gloomy headlines following their recent dismal run.
Mail Sport's LEWIS STEELE and CHRIS WHEELER were at Anfield on Sunday evening to judge the performers.
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1)
Alisson-6.5
Didn't get a single shot on target against West Ham on Sunday, or after the sixth minute against Leicester on Boxing Day, but finally had some work to do here at the end of the first half and strongly denied Hojlund. Couldn't do much about United's goals.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4 (booked)
A tough afternoon with experts – and a small minority of fans – on his back. Very poor defensively, but scored the penalty for 2-1.
Ibrahima Konate – 6.5
A big presence back in the team after a month on the sidelines. Would have liked to have done better with United's goals.
Virgil van Dijk-7
Saved Liverpool several times when defending teammates' mistakes. Had several angry rants about sloppy mistakes by other defenders.
Andy Robertson-5
This allowed Amad to run over him too easily, so United's equalizer made it 2-2. Was reasonable before that.
Ryan Gravenberch-7
A super football player sliding across the field. Could have gotten a few assists if the finishing had been better.
Alexis MacAllister-8
Never makes headlines, but is Mr. Consistent for Liverpool alongside Van Dijk and Salah. Dictates the game and finds great passes.
Mohamed Salah-7
A quieter afternoon than usual, but made the 21st of the season with a productive penalty. Never even slightly thought he would miss it.
Curtis Jones-6.5
Constant source of energy in midfield and on hard yards, but in an attacking and defensive sense. But had insufficient influence on the match in the final third.
Cody Gakpo-7.5
Last week it was a 'maybe' at its best in a Reds jersey – now upgrade that to a 'definitely'. Excellent calmness and finish to smooth.
Luis Diaz – 5.5
He has been brilliant for Liverpool in recent weeks, but Diaz was unable to get his usual grip on proceedings here.
Substitutes
Darwin Nunez (for Diaz, 60min) – 6 (booked)
Diogo Jota (for Jones, 60) – 6
Conor Bradley (for Alexander-Arnold, 86min)
Harvey Elliott (for Gakpo, 87)
Subs not used: Kelleher, Endo, Chiesa, Tsimikas, Quansah.
Manager
Arne Slot-6
Not Liverpool's best performance of the season – didn't create enough and looked open to the counter-attack.
Referee
Michael Oliver-5
I made the big calls right. The only question is why he needed VAR to help him award the penalty.
MAN UTD (3-4-3)
André Onana 6.5
Made some big saves, especially from Mac Allister. No chance due to Gakpo's goal or Salah's penalty, even though he did get a hand in it.
Matthijs de Ligt 5
Was left on his backside by Gakpo for the first goal and then conceded the penalty for the second with a high arm.
Harry Maguire6.5
Amorim wants him to become more of a leader and this was a very good start. Could have won at the death, but shot over.
Lisandro Martínez 7
After a nice interception, he scored the first goal and also set up Hojlund's chance. Defensively better too.
Noussair Mazraoui 6.5
Cool under pressure at the back and also came forward effectively. Continues to impress on this team.
Manuel Ugarte7
United needed his combative approach and he did not let them down, but was taken out of position for the equalizer.
Kobbie Mainoo7
His form has dropped, but this was much more like it. Overcame the early blow and put in a very strong performance in midfield.
Diogo Dalot 7.5
It gave Alexander-Arnold a chase as United threatened down the left. Good defensive work on Salah despite early booking.
Amad Diallo7
Came up with another big goal against Liverpool, making amends for misjudging a header in front of goal after Dalot's cross.
Rasmus Hojlund 6
He was never going to get many chances and couldn't make the most of them when he was one-on-one with Alisson.
Bruno Fernandes8
Back from suspension to lead his team, he was involved in all of United's best moments, including both goals.
Substitutes
Bayindir, Malacia, Yoro (for De Ligt 83, 7), Casemiro, Collyer, Eriksen, Antony, Garnacho (for Mainoo 72, 6.5), Zirkzee (for Hojlund 86)
Head coach
Reuben Amorim 7
This week I was able to work with his players on the training field for a few days and it was noticeable. Huge improvement.
Comments