An uneventful and disappointing game between Liverpool and Manchester United ended in a goalless draw on Monday night at Anfield.
The game saw none of the sides able to score any goal, thus resulting in Liverpool’s inability to level up on points with Premier League table leaders, Manchester City. A well-organized and disciplined defensive Jose Mourinho’s men overruled this possibility.
Jurgen Klopp’s men were not given the chance by Liverpool to build their momentum and intensity, which have so far been the characteristics of their games this season. Two fine saves by David Gea were also on point to ensure that Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho did not win the match for Liverpool.
In the second half, United also lost a chance that was actually their best attempt throughout the game. Zlatan Ibrahimovic had been left unmarked but unfortunately directed a cross received from Paul Pogba off target.
An all low time ball possession of 35% was all United could garner and has been described as their lowest since this data began to be recorded by Opta in 2003-04.
United’s game plan had Ander Herrera at its heart as he was on board to ensure that Coutinho and Roberto Firmino were never given a chance in midfield. Antonio Valencia also had to put down a magnificent tackle on Firmino to stop his race towards United goal.
Mourinho had this to say after the match,
“It is not the result we wanted but it is a positive result. It is a result that stops a direct opponent getting three points at home, so not a bad result. The game was difficult for both teams but for longer periods it was more difficult for them than us.
“We controlled the game not just tactically but the emotion of the game, that was probably the quietest Anfield I had and I was expecting it to be the other way.I think it was a positive performance.”