by Liverpool’s failure to score for the first time since April cost them top spot in the Premier League as Manchester United held out a goalless final to deny their rivals a club record.
Erik ten Hag’s side succeeded where 34 previous opponents had failed to keep out a team that finished the game with five players attacking the pitch with Trent Alexander-Arnold playing as the main fulcrum.
The visitors posed little threat to themselves as the goal drought in the enemy’s territory extended to 507 minutes, stretching back five years, but at least they managed the blood they have conceded 21 times in the last five home meetings and away from home.
Liverpool
Alison Becker
Alisson promised that United would be ‘on fire’. A striker wasn’t exactly needed to make the minimal attacking threat, but his save from Hojlund’s effort in the 67th minute was crucial. 7
Trent Alexander-Arnold
It speaks volumes for United’s resilience that Alexander-Arnold’s biggest contribution was the goal-saving tackle to deny Garnacho. Used in different roles again, but his radar was running wrong. 6
Virgil van Dijk
In a game where Liverpool dominated, Van Dijk was comfortably their best player. He is pulling his side towards another title challenge, back to his best. Need to take other people to their level, if possible. 8
A powerful presence against Hojlund – it was man against boy, really – but he should have won the game with a late header. He and Van Dijk spent as much time in midfield as defending their penalty area, nothing. 8
He has improved in the week since deputizing for Andy Robertson. They are too often overlooked by teammates – especially Nunez – as they overlap into good positions in the first half. One of his best games defensively. 7
Of Liverpool’s new midfield quartet, he was the last man standing. He was aggressive and dynamic and generally passed well, but never threatened to unlock United’s packed defence. 7
Too often he has abandoned his touch as he tries to defend those early season Steven Gerrard comparisons. Subbed soon, which is a reflection of the current form. Must step up again. 6
An exceptional move found space ‘between the lines’ but was looking for a pass or a killer finish. Subbed before the hour with what looked like a muscle injury. 6
Congestion in United’s penalty area helped to stifle it. He roamed towards the end and looked most likely to get an answer. United will feel they have dealt with him better than ever. 6
As sharp as he has looked since the start of the season, enjoying himself against Dalot in the first half. Then it faded and was subbed. 6
Darwin Nunez
His early booking was a sign of frustration, with Klopp shouting at him to channel his energy in a more positive direction. Couldn’t muster any magic and was interrupted. 6
Representatives
Gakpo for Gravenberch (61); Gomez for Szoboszlai (61); Jones for Diaz (78); Elliott for Nunez (78). The changes opened up the game in the latter stages, but there were no side effects this week.
Manchester United
He emerged from an indecisive start to boost confidence, Van Dijk and Salah will save his part in a strong defensive display. Great pass released by Antony. 7
Diogo Dalot
The right-back delivered an extremely disciplined and enthusiastic display before being sent off in stoppage time for two dissenting bookings. 7
Evans/Varane was United’s ninth centre-half pairing of the season but it didn’t look like a transition partnership. Streetwise stuff from the veteran Defenders. 8
Raphael Varane
The United team was slightly damaged when they arrived at Anfield but the one who helped the excellent Varane to park on the pitch escaped without a tooth. 8
Ten Hag will be delighted to have their front-back fit to play after a midweek scare. He did well against Salah. Included late on for a poor challenge on Konate. 7
United’s most accomplished midfielders despite his inexperience and tender years. Great pass for Garnacho deserves more. 7
He gave the ball away far too easily and often at times and moves like he’s wearing hiking boots only to be knocked down in the second half. 6
Anthony
He played his part defensively and helped set up the chances that left Hojlund so light, and going forward he didn’t offer precious much again. 5
Scott MacTomin
Captain on the day in the absence of suspended Scott McTominay and set up Hojlund’s chance. He worked hard but United needed a lot more quality on the ball. 6
Alejandro Garnacho
One sight of goal was presented in the second half when Mainoo shot it out but it couldn’t get away from Alexander-Arnold. 5
Rasmus Hojlund
It was a golden opportunity to score and United’s only shot on target in the game and their fluffed lines. Still without a league goal for the club. 5
Representatives
Rashford for Garnacho 71; Mejbri for Mainoo 82; Pellistri for Antony 82. Not used – Bayindir, Rashford, Reguilon, Pellistri, Wan-Bissaka, Van de Beek, Gore, Mejbri, Kambwala.
