Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United: Liverpool Player Ratings

As Salah took off his jersey in celebration after scoring Liverpool ‘s second, he was greeted by Alisson Becker who slid his way into the Egyptian’s arms in a celebration that could be iconic come to the end of the season.

With Manchester City dropping points yet again, attention had turned Anfield and if their neighbors could once again halt the reds juggernaut.

It was not to be as Liverpool gave Manchester United a footballing lesson in front of a watching Sir Alex Ferguson. The 2-0 scoreline flattered United and the Reds were untouchable in parts.

The Red Devils started off brightly but had the wind blown out of their sails as Virgil van Dijk rose to head in from a Trent Alexander Arnold corner. Liverpool would go on to score twice more through Roberto Firmino and Giorginio Wijnaldum in the first half, but both efforts were ruled out.

The second half started off with a sustained spell of Red dominance as Liverpool peppered De Gea in the United goal. Henderson hit the bar while Salah and Mane should have done better.

United to their credit, did show fight and should have scored when Anthony Martial found his way into the Reds box. The Frenchman could only blaze it over much to the angst of the traveling fans.

Liverpool finished off the tie in the last minute of stoppage time when Salah outmuscled Daniel James to latch on to Alisson’s ball and slot it past De Gea.

Chants of “We are going to win the league” rang out at Anfield for the first time this season. With performances like these, it won’t take long for it to become the norm

Liverpool Player Ratings

Alisson Becker (8.5/10)

He was in command of his area throughout and was alert whenever United broke. Saved well in either half from Andreas Pereira and Fred. Was alert and provided a brilliant assist to Salah to put the result beyond doubt.

Trent Alexander Arnold (7/10)

Made his characteristic passes into dangerous areas. Provided the delivery for the corner that led to Van Dijk’s opener and could have grabbed a couple more had Mane taken his chances.

A sloppy throw in almost led to Fred capitalizing on the mistake. Deservedly given a talking to by Jordan Henderson.

Joe Gomez (7/10)

Excellent in the air and won a number of aerial duels. Intercepted United’s passes and was calm when under pressure. A solid yet unspectacular display.

Virgil van Dijk (8.5/10)

Scored at the right time to take the wind out of United’s bright start. His goal gave Liverpool the impetus as the Reds took control of the game.

Thought he had contributed to Liverpool’s second only for the goal to be controversially chalked off. An imperious presence at the back helped Liverpool weather the late United surge with yet another clean sheet.

Andrew Robertson (7/10)

Held up well against Daniel James’s pace and even made forays of his own upfield. Didn’t contribute in the assists chart as usual and some of his crosses couldn’t find the man.

Made a brilliant tackle to win the ball off James as the Welsh winger looked to break away.

Jordan Henderson (9/10)

Another Liverpool victory. Another midfield master class by the captain. Showed excellent awareness and contributed to both defense and attack. Did not give the United midfield an inch and was up for every second ball.

Almost scored to cap off a brilliant display. His excellent strike thundered off the post after a fingertip save by De Gea.

Georginio Wijnaldum (9/10)

Nutmegged Fred and left the Brazilian chasing his shadow all night. Quite telling considering Fred was United’s best player on the night. Another assured display from the Dutch maestro as he helped Henderson win the midfield battle for his side.

Looked to have scored a well-worked goal, only for it to be chalked off for offside.

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain (7/10)

Made more tackles than any other player on the pitch. An energetic display by the English international as he drove at the United defense. Forced a save from De Gea in the second half and was furious at being taken off. A promising display, there is more to come from the midfielder.

Mohamed Salah (8/10)

The Egyptian had joked prior to the match that it as his absence that let United take points off Liverpool in the reverse fixture. Showed exactly what he adds to the team with his dribbling and ability to run into space.

Should have scored early on in the second half but couldn’t catch the ball well as it rolled wide. Was always available for a pass as he looked to thread Firmino and Mane into dangerous positions.

Took a well-deserved goal in stoppage time when he outpaced Daniel James to slot Alisson’s ball past a helpless De Gea.

Roberto Firmino (8/10)

Thought he had scored his first goal against United only to see the goal ruled out by VAR. Was always up for the challenge and defended from the front.

Showed neat skill to send Wan Bissaka to the cleaners in the second half. The defender has been in fine form this season and is a testament of Firmino’s ability that he was able to floor the youngster.

Sadio Mane (7/10)

Will be dissapointed at not getting his name on the scoresheet. Had two good opportunities in either half. One was saved by de Gea while he couldn’t connect with the second after Wijnaldum put him through.

Substitutes

Adam Lallana (7/10)

He continued his fine form in another controlled display off the bench. Slowed the game down and was assured in possession. Kept the ball well and offered a good outlet for possession as Liverpool prepared to see the game out.

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Fabinho (NA)

Came on as a late substitute for. A good runout for the Brazilian in his return from injury.

Divock Origi (NA)

Came on late for alongside Fabinho. Didn’t do anything of note.