Player ratings as Liverpool drop points at Old Trafford in Premier League title race
Jurgen Klopp made two changes to the Liverpool side that faced Sheffield United in the league last week to face Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side in the Premier League at Old Trafford.
After losing to them in the FA Cup, revenge was probably on the Reds’ radar on their visit to Man United’s home ground. Ryan Gravenberch made way for Wataru Endo to come back to the lineup after a knock kept him out against the Blades. In defence, Jarell Quansah came in for Joe Gomez.
Jurgen Klopp’s men failed to capitalise on the number of chances they created, and hence, the manager’s last visit to Old Trafford as Liverpool boss ended a 2-2 stalemate. Official match report here. Here are the match ratings for the Liverpool players.
Caoimhin Kelleher 7/10
Decent as always on the ball, did not do much wrong, but lack of positional awareness cost Liverpool a goal. However, credit where due, Bruno Fernandes did very well to score from where he did.
Conor Bradley 6/10
Got the better of Bruno in the opening 20 minutes. Eased into the game as it went on, but nothing significant to point out from what was an average performance from Bradley.
Jarell Quansah 6/10
Looked nervy since minute one. Caught in possession quite a number of times. As it seemed like he found his groove, and made a very stupid pass to his captain which was eventually caught out by the opposition captain to score.
© Virgil van Dijk 7/10
Controlled the tempo of the game very well. Not much he could have done about either goal Liverpool conceded. Did his job well, and was commanding as usual in the backline.
Andy Robertson 7/10
Plays as if he has a battery fit in his calves ™ . Played a decent number of crosses into the box early on, always a threat with his constant presence everywhere. Wonderful corner taken for Liverpool’s opener.
Wataru Endo 5/10
Silently doing all the dirty work in the game but eventually, did nothing wrong, and was just decent. Not impactful enough on the game sadly for Endo.
Alexis Mac Allister 7/10
Decent positioning throughout the first half. Held the midfield strings, and was brilliant in both, offensive and defensive transitions but failed to carry his goal-contributing streak.
Dominik Szoboszlai 7/10
On target for the Reds’ first chance of the game, but was kept out by Andre Onana. Constantly kept the keeper engaged with his long shots and was decent in midfield as well. Sadly, did not translate into a tangible sense of contribution towards the scoreline. Created the most chances (4) in the game
Luis Diaz 8/10
Excellent goal from a set-piece situation. Smart positioning sense to find the back of the net from Darwin’s headed flick towards the back post. Amazing on and off the ball. However, was beginning to get a bit frustrating to watch in the second half.
Darwin Nunez 6/10
Culprit #2 of the game. Too many chances did not count for at least half as many goals because we were too wasteful in front of goal. World-class off-the-ball game, but just a little bit more clinical sense would propel him to great great heights.
Mohamed Salah 6/10
Penalty salvaged his rating. Was very wasteful in front of goal. Having said that, great movement from him throughout the game and found himself in the half spaces at just the right times. Caught in possession towards the end of the game at times. Can’t blame him. He’s been spearheading our attack ever since joining. Chin up, Mo!
Substitutions
Adrian San Miguel
Unused substitute.
Joe Gomez 6/10
Came on for Conor Bradley in the 66th minute. Failed to have any great impact on the game. Took a decent shot on goal, which possibly could’ve crept in if not for Harry Maguire’s shinpads.
Ibrahima Konate
Unused substitute.
Curtis Jones 6/10
Came on for Szobo in the 66th minute. Was excellent at positional sense, and ball retention. Smart tactical foul on Sofyan Amrabat as United looked to threaten on the counter. Did not do a lot wrong considering it is only his second game after injury.
Cody Gakpo 6/10
Came on for Darwin Nunez and showed a lot of energy off the bench. He did not have enough impact on the game to warrant a rating better than the one he got.
Harvey Elliott 6/10
Elliott was brilliant. Found the attackers multiple times towards the end of the game with precise passes. Kept the ball in possession whenever required and this cameo warrants a start in the upcoming few games.
Kostas Tsimikas
Unused substitute.
Ryan Gravenberch
Unused substitute.
Jayden Danns
Unused substitute.
