Liverpool were able to put their rivals Manchester United to the sword at Anfield, taking their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 16 points ahead of Manchester City. Virgil van Dijk scored early to send the ground into a state of ecstasy, with VAR getting in the way of them scoring a second.
As the visitors came forward with intent in search of an equaliser, only for a counter attack to end with Mohamed Salah scoring Liverpool’s second.
Jurgen Klopp was pretty clear – he’s elated, and it’s only a matter of time until they wrap this title up once and for all.
The old enemy
“It’s a big relief, I was really happy with 85-90% of the game, we were brilliant. We dominated the game, especially in the first half. The energy they put on the pitch was incredible.
“On a normal day we would have scored three times in the first half and in the second half until 65 minutes we should have been more clear.
“But then United have obvious quality, played a bit more football and we had to defend. There were little mistakes here and there, we didn’t use possession well enough and so the game stays open.
“Then we scored a wonderful, wonderful goal at the end, a really good feeling.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows the challenge that lies ahead of him as United continue to battle for a place in the top four.
Down but not out?
“The players gave us everything. Today we hung on a bit at the start of second half, but the last 25-30 minutes we pressed them and pushed them back. I’m disappointed with conceding from a corner and with the last kick – but very many positives.
“I felt in the second half we performed really well against a good team and at a difficult place.
“We didn’t have quality with our finishing or last pass. Fred was absolutely top and David de Gea. As a team we worked together as a unit.”
Liverpool’s attention will turn towards a Thursday evening clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, whereas United will host Burnley on Wednesday.
Match Report
Liverpool: Alisson (8), Robertson (6.5), van Dijk (8.5), Gomez (7.5), Alexander-Arnold (7.5), Wijnaldum (7.5), Henderson (7.5), Oxlade-Chamberlain (7.5), Mane (6.5), Firmino (7.5), Salah (8), Lallana (6.5), Fabinho (6), Origi (6.5)
Manchester United: de Gea (6.5), Lindelof (6.5), Maguire (6.5), Shaw (7), Wan-Bissaka (7), Fred (7.5), Matic (6), Williams (6), Pereira (6), James (6), Martial (6), Greenwood (6), Mata (6), Dalot (6)
Referee: Craig Pawson
Goals: van Dijk, Salah
Yellow Cards: Salah, de Gea, Shaw, Matic
Red Cards: N/A
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