Photo by Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images

A look back at the key moments in Liverpool’s frustrating draw with Manchester United in Premier League action.

Liverpool 2 - 2 Manchester United

Liverpool: Gakpo 59’, Salah 69’ (pen)
Manchester United: Martinez 50’, Diallo 80’

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Pre-Match

It looked a little uncertain there due to the weather again but it is Sunday matchday, and Manchester United have traveled up to L4 to face our Liverpool. The biggest news is that injured defender Ibrahima Konate is no longer injured and ready to start again for the Reds, which couldn’t have happened at a better time with Joe Gomez out for a few weeks with a hamstring problem. With Arsenal and Chelsea both dropping points, all focus is on building on that gap at the top of the table.

Let’s go.

First Half

We kick off the first half, and Kobbie Mainoo goes down early after getting on the ground and catching a boot to the face. He’s fine to continue after two minutes, and the Reds are back in charge. There is snow built up on the outsides of the pitch as the last signs of the uncertainty following the snowstorm of the past day or so. Manchester United pick up a second ball and go on the counterattack, but is dealt with handily before things get too dangerous.

Liverpool win a corner in the 6th minute and their first real chance at goal, but the effort is punched away. United are completely packing their area with defenders, so any opportunity will unfortunately come from chipping away at this cynical set up from the visitors - and we’re not even ten minutes in.

The Reds get through once again with Alexis Mac Allister making decisive runs through the defense before laying it off at Trent Alexander-Arnold. Mo Salah’s shot gets saved and Luis Diaz tries on the rebound before it goes skyward. Liverpool have yet another chance, though this too is unable to find the back of the net with Cody Gakpo’s shot getting deflected at just the right time. Play is now all in Liverpool’s hands though, and United’s back five is looking a little shaky.

Liverpool have gotten a little sloppy in this first half and unfortunately United have been ready to pounce, but their shots have been cleared easily if awkwardly at some points. That’s the problem with United, that we seem to underestimate, is that they’re up for party crashing, even in the midst of their own problems. We get on a good run of form, and allow them to trip us up. We should’ve scored early to set the tone and we’re now 25 minutes in and they’re getting a little confidence.

Possession has been evenly split within this first half hour, but when Liverpool take control, they feel so dangerous that a goal could come from anywhere. It’s really only been bad luck that has kept them from getting ahead, and the bus that United are parking in their area.

Second Half

We come out for the second half, no changes were made and we’re attacking the Kop end (as it should be). Liverpool win another corner early in the half, and that dangerous feeling is back as Alexis Mac Allister lines things up. Onana punches it away again and Liverpool aren’t able to capitalize on the corner chaos. United are able to string a decent attack together following the goal kick, but a well timed tackle from van Dijk makes sure that nothing comes of it. Both teams look a little more up for it in this second half, and somehow Manchester United get the first goal from Lisandro Martinez.

Going behind isn’t something new for Liverpool, and it should definitely light a fire under their butts to actually find the back of the net. The Reds get a promising counterattack happening at the 56th minute but passes are too fast with the slippery grass from the pouring rain. It looks like Arne Slot is planning to make his first changes of the match, as Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota prepare to come on - ONLY FOR CODY GAKPO TO SCORE IN THE PREPARATIONS! WE’RE LEVEL! A poor clearance from United led to Mac Allister picking up the pass and assisting the Dutchman! It is checked for offside and cleared and the Reds are taking the match back.

The changes still get made, with Luis Diaz and Curtis Jones making way, and the stadium is roaring to life to help the lads find that winner. Liverpool win another corner in the 63rd minute, with Roberston swinging in an effort just to the outside of the crowded box, but the Reds aren’t able to get through United’s defenses. This is the time when we have won games, and the feeling that the winner is just right there out of reach is palpable. It is right there and we just have to make it appear over the line.

There’s a potential for a penalty as de Ligt gets his arm up to defend a shot, and Michael Oliver lets a full minute go by before going to the screen to analyze - and a penalty is given! Onana tries to start something but Mohamed Salah steps up to the spot and SENDS IT IN! IT’S 2 TO LIVERPOOL! Salah is now tied with Thierry Henry for Premier League goals!

Manchester United are getting desperate and violent as Harry Maguire takes a chunk out of Mo in a tackle, earning himself a yellow card and a free kick in a good spot for Liverpool. Salah takes it but his shot goes just over the crossbar. Liverpool are taking control once more, hoping to pad that lead just a little more and send United further down the table. Unfortunately, the Reds switch off again and United find a second to tie it up. There’s still ten minutes and change to find a winner once again, and Virgil is apparently hoping to rally the squad through his anger, which probably won’t be helpful.

Liverpool make two more changes, with Harvey Elliott coming on for Cody Gakpo, and Conor Bradley coming on for Trent Alexander-Arnold (a change that is probably ten minutes too late.) There is 7 minutes of added time and Liverpool win a corner after a succession of United corner’s, and van Dijk’s header is frustratingly saved. Things have gotten frantic here in these last ten minutes and while Konate looks gassed, Liverpool are pushing for that winning goal, until the very end.

Final Thoughts

Was it the freezing rain, the week long rest, or the overconfidence? Either way, Liverpool drop points against our harshest rivals and prove once again they are fallible.