Manchester United faced Liverpool at Anfield under challenging weather conditions, determined to avenge their earlier humiliation this season. Despite entering the game on a four-match losing streak, United displayed resilience, with Lisandro Martinez scoring a historic goal. However, Liverpool showcased their class, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory in a thrilling Premier League clash.
First Half: United Show Promise
Missed Chances for United
- Amad Diallo’s Opportunity: United came close early in the first half, with Diallo testing Liverpool’s defense.
- Rasmus Højlund’s Late Effort: As the half ended, Højlund narrowly missed converting a promising chance, keeping the scoreline level.
Despite these missed opportunities, United demonstrated a fighting spirit against a strong Liverpool side.
Second Half: Martinez Ends the Anfield Curse
Martinez’s Breakthrough Goal
The deadlock was broken in the 52nd minute when:
- The Build-Up: Bruno Fernandes delivered a precise through ball into the Liverpool penalty area.
- The Finish: Lisandro Martinez, breaking forward from center-back, fired a powerful shot past Alisson Becker into the roof of the net.
Historic Moment
- This marked Manchester United’s first goal at Anfield in over six years, ending a drought dating back to December 2018.
- Martinez’s strike gave United a surprise lead and stunned the Anfield crowd into silence.
Liverpool’s Resurgence: From Equalizer to Victory
Cody Gakpo’s Equalizer
Liverpool quickly responded, underlining their status as league leaders:
- Mac Allister’s Assist: A poor clearance from United fell to Alexis Mac Allister, who threaded a precise pass to Cody Gakpo.
- Clinical Finish: Gakpo’s sharp angled shot in the 59th minute left Andre Onana with no chance, bringing Liverpool back level.
Salah’s Decisive Penalty
The game turned in Liverpool’s favor 10 minutes later:
- The Handball Incident:
- Mac Allister’s header struck Matthijs de Ligt’s outstretched hand in the box.
- Initially dismissed, VAR prompted referee Michael Oliver to review the incident, resulting in a penalty.
- Salah’s Execution:
- Mohamed Salah stepped up and unleashed a fierce shot that beat Onana, giving Liverpool a 2-1 lead.
- Salah’s goal cemented his reputation as a perennial tormentor of Manchester United.
Key Performances
- Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United):
- Scored United’s first goal at Anfield since 2018.
- Displayed defensive grit despite the eventual loss.
- Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool):
- Instrumental in both goals with a creative assist and key involvement in the penalty incident.
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool):
- Delivered under pressure to score the winning penalty, reaffirming his status as Liverpool’s talisman.
- Cody Gakpo (Liverpool):
- Scored a stunning equalizer, continuing his impressive form at Anfield.
VAR Controversy
The penalty decision generated debate:
- For Liverpool: The handball was clear, and VAR ensured the correct decision was made.
- For United: Some felt the decision was harsh, arguing De Ligt’s hand position was natural.
Despite a spirited performance and a historic goal from Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United couldn’t hold off Liverpool’s relentless attack. The Reds’ comeback, fueled by Gakpo and Salah, solidified their position at the top of the Premier League. For United, the match was another frustrating chapter in an already challenging season.
