Liverpool and Manchester United had the lights all to themselves. A rare, though becoming more commonplace, Monday night game provided a good look for the Premier League's premier rivalry. Fans expecting fireworks went away disappointed though.
Liverpool opened the game a bit slow, despite the rousing YNWA chant by the expanded Anfield. It seemed as though the Reds would settle into the game and get things going. However, they seemed to only allow Manchester United to gain more momentum.
The Red Devils kept building up their own attack with little in the way of countering. Liverpool managed to get up field here and there in the first 30 minutes, but not with much belief.
Much of Liverpool's possession in that first half hour was spent trying to get the ball under control. It seemed to always be in the air when Liverpool were in attack.
Liverpool's best chance was hardly that. After the Reds finally had some build up play, the strike came from a Firmino header from a tough angle. Ultimately, it went right at the keeper.
After the 30 minute mark, Liverpool did seem to settle into the match a little better. They calmed down much more on the ball, settled down defensively and closed the gaps and managed to start finding holes in Jose Mourinho's defensive plan.
There was not much to witness in terms of highlights from the opening 45 minutes. Neither side truly tested either goalkeeper. It was more a battle of wills.
United had the better of the attack in the first 15 minutes. Liverpool dominated possession of the ball, but created very little in the opening frame.
As much as the Reds took the halftime advice to heart and came out with authority against Swansea, they did the opposite in this Monday night match. Their passing was fairly bad, including a dreadful mistake by Loris Karius that almost led to a chance for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The attack came out even more disjointed than they were in the first half. Even when there was good buildup, the Reds would always find a way to botch it toward the area.
Ten minutes into the second half, it almost seemed as though things were not going to turn for the better. Manchester United began building an attack and almost had it pay off with a nice cross from right to left from Pogba to Ibrahimovic. Only a stray header did not end that attack with a goal.
Can in the 59th minute almost made something of nothing. A fabulous through ball from Joel Matip bound the German, who was surrounded in the area. Still, he flicked a left footer through all the traffic and De Gea was forced to make a sparkling reaction save to keep the game level.
Liverpool kept the pressure on in spurts. In the 71st minute, Coutinho whipped one that looked earmarked for the upper 90. Unfortunately, De Gea came from nowhere to get a piece of it and keep the goose eggs on the board again.
The Reds put their foot on the gas as United began to run out of their own. Liverpool put tons of pressure on the defense, but just didn't look like they would be able to find that final bit of magic.
In the end, that statement proved to be true. The Reds just could not find that last bit of play to create a goal. They won't be overly disappointed with a point against their rivals, but they won't be happy either.
As the game plodded on, you could tell United were playing for the point. They had almost no attack after the opening five or ten minutes in the second half.
Like him or not (most of us do not), you have to give Mourinho credit. Het set up a team that was going to be difficult to break down and they implemented the game plan almost to perfection.
It wasn't what was advertised. We were promised a fantastic, showcase game and were rewarded with a mediocre performance overall. Still, it was a point and kept Liverpool in the top four going into the weekend.
Random Thoughts:
- I am curious as to what Loris Karius provides that Simon Mignolet does not. At this stage, we all just want to win. However, Karius seems to be just as poor on crosses and set pieces as Mignolet, so what does he bring to the table?
- The way the team changed, I completely understand the sub. When it was made, I thought for sure Lallana was coming on for Mane. Mane had done absolutely nothing positive to that point, so it made more sense in the moment to leave Sturridge on. Strange how managers know more than we do.
- It is disappointing to see the team look so poor with Sturridge in. That must change. Using Lallana is fine, but in terms of pure skill, the Reds need a front three of Coutinho, Sturridge and Firmino in form and clicking.
- Maybe it's because I'm biased, but I don't see United being anywhere close to title contenders right now. The NBCSN crew were kissing their feet, but I just didn't see it. Credit where credit is due, they defended well and kept their shape. However, with Liverpool's defense being questionable, they created almost nothing. You do have to score to win a league title.
Walk On
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment