EPL: Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United

Old rivals fail to match the rhetoric once more

Liverpool remain seven points behind Manchester United in the standings after the two teams drew 0-0 at Anfield on Saturday.

The hosts started the match very much on the front foot, but chances were at a premium until the 37th minute when Joel Matip was denied brilliantly by David de Gea’s outstretched leg, before Mohamed Salah fired the rebound wide.

Just five minutes later and United created their best opening of the first-half, as some lovely one-touch passing on the edge of the box from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku, led to the latter having an effort well-saved by Simon Mignolet in the Liverpool goal.

Into the second-half and Liverpool continued to look the better of the two teams, but they struggled to create clear openings until Emre Can sent Joe Gomez’ pin-point cross over the bar from close range.

Can came close once again just after the hour mark, but his powerful run from the halfway line was not matched by his left-foot finish that lacked conviction.

In the closing minutes Liverpool won a number of corners, but centre backs Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren both headed over.

The point preserves United’s unbeaten start to the campaign, while Liverpool remain some way behind the early-season pace setters in the standings.

 

United goalkeeper David de Gea made one brilliant reaction save from Joel Matip in the first half, but Jurgen Klopp's side failed to break down well-organised opponents.

It is a criticism which has been regularly levelled at the Reds this season but was perhaps excusable on this occasion considering the rivalry and the quality.