Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp asserts Liverpool dominated Manchester United more in the frustrating draw than during their 7-0 victory
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp claimed that Liverpool dominated Manchester United more on Sunday than during the 7-0 victory last season. United held the Reds to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Anfield in the Northwest derby on Sunday.
The draw means Arsenal have overtaken Liverpool in the Premier League table as they fall to second place. The Reds are now at par on points with third-place Aston Villa, only one point behind the Gunners.
Liverpool dominated 69% of the possession against their historical rivals, forcing 34 shots with only eight on target. Klopp’s men looked visibly frustrated in the attacking third as United keeper Andre Onana had to make few easy saves.
Liverpool started the game with high intensity and conviction to continue from the 7-0 annihilation in March last season. However, the midfield and forward line failed to slice the United’s defence open to make a convincing chance.
Speaking to reporters (h/t ESPN) after the game, Klopp insisted that the Reds dominated United despite the infuriating draw. He said:
“I can’t remember such a dominant performance against Man United — even the 7-0 they were more in the game. Now it’s 0-0 they probably feel slightly better than us. But we take the point and keep going.”
Liverpool’s poor creativity followed by continuous struggle in front of the goal from the attack line cumulated the frustrating outing. Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez received a lot of criticism on social media for their poor performances.
Szoboszlai spectacularly started his Liverpool career but has struggled to continue the level of consistency, potentially due to fatigue. The Hungary captain has continuously featured in the Reds’ starting eleven since the beginning of the season.
"There was one team who should have won the game – that was us."
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 17, 2023
Jurgen Klopp says that's the most he's seen Liverpool dominate against Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/4mkuoKEuvb
On the other hand, Nunez has continued his goal draught and at times looked shy to take his opportunities. He received criticism for wasting too many big chances which is unacceptable if Liverpool are serious about the title challenge.
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Klopp needs to sort out the complacency in front of the goal as Liverpool dropped many points for being wasteful. The draw leaves a bitter taste as Liverpool had the momentum and opportunity to achieve a big victory against United. However, the Reds need to put the disappointment aside and shift their focus back onto the next game.
