Liverpool completed a league double over Manchester United for the first time since the 2013/14 season. The Reds smashed United 4-0 at Anfield to atop of the league, at least for now. Meanwhile, agony piled up on United, who now sit sixth in the league. The top-four looks almost an impossible achievement for the Red Devils, who missed star forward Cristiano Ronaldo. The player ratings for Liverpool are here from their win.
United were without many of their first-team regulars in Luke Shaw, Raphale Varane and Ronaldo. However, Ralf Rangnick opted for a back-three of Lindelof, Phil Jones and Harry Maguire, which conceded a goal right within the five minutes from kick-off. Maguire and Dalot were left out of the position by a piercing Sadio Mane pass which released Mohamed Salah free on the right flank. The Egyptian played a first time pass to Luis Diaz who simply had to tap-in for the lead.
Another brilliant flick in the 22nd minute from Mane was slotted in the far corner by Salah to double Liverpool’s lead. Maguire was partnered by Lindelof this time in the humiliation. United improved in the second 45, creating some decent half-chances. However, it was Liverpool who added another goal. Mane found his name on the score-sheet this time, placing the ball in the back of the net from a Luis Diaz pass.
Liverpool player ratings: Backline
Alisson- 7/10
The Liverpool ‘keeper didn’t have much to do on the night. However, denied United solidly on couple of occasions.
Trent Alexander-Arnold- 8/10
The right-back suffocated the United backline from his constant press. Moreover, came in with decent defensive display in the 2nd half against Jadon Sancho.
Joel Matip- 6/10
A mixed game for Matip. Looked off-pace at times but coped well throughout the 90 minutes.
Virgil van Dijk- 8/10
A classic Van Dijk display. Manchester United had no answer to Van Dijk’s defensive strength.
Andy Robertson- 8/10
Never allowed United’s right flank to build any attack from that side. Pressed tirelessly, helping create the third goal and assisting the fourth.
Midfield
Jordan Henderson- 7/10
Brilliant and improved on the ball in the first-half. A lot of threat creating passes as well. However, lost his touch in the second half.
Fabinho- 8/10
Dominated the midfield with his physical qualities which were superior to every United player.
Thiago Alcantara- 10/10
Could he get any better? A scintillating game from the midfielder. Delicious passes were coupled with a 100% success rate in dribbles and tackles. Football at its sheer beautiful form from Thiago. A more than deserved highest ratings for the Liverpool man.
Attack
Mohamed Salah- 9/10
Powerful and menacing performance from the winger. Scored two brilliant goals to take his tally to 22 league goals for the season.
Sadio Mane- 9/10
The creative monster on the night. Choked the United defenders with his silky touches and cheeky passes. An assist and a goal for Mane in the 90 minutes.
Luis Diaz- 9/10
The Colombian just improves with each game. Left the United players dizzy who came at him and treated the fans with some fine no-look passes. One goal and one assist for him as well.
Substitutes
Diogo Jota- 7/10
Came on for Diaz in the 70th minute. A raging bull going at almost every United player. Genius pass to set-up Salah for Liverpool’s fourth.
Naby Keita- N/A
Came on for Thiago in the 80th minutes.
James Milner- N/A
Came on for Fabinho in the 86th minute.
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