Luis Diaz scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Manchester United on the road, capping Arne Slot’s incredible debut at Liverpool and adding to Erik ten Hag’s woes.
Ten Hag appeared irate on the Old Trafford touchline as Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah added a third goal early in the second half to make it three wins out of three for Slot. However, this was United’s second defeat of the new season.
As Liverpool repeatedly broke through United’s midfield, the problems that plagued the team for the majority of the previous season and the beginning of this one were mercilessly shown. At halftime, Casemiro, who was responsible for two of the goals, was substituted but little changed, with Liverpool better in every department.
After defeating United 3-0 in a preseason friendly earlier in the summer, Slot became the first Liverpool manager to defeat the team in a competitive match for the first time since Bob Paisley in 1975.
Six minutes in, Liverpool had a goal awarded by one type of technology, only to have it disqualified by another. This was a precursor of danger.
After Trent Alexander-Arnold’s effort struck Diogo Dalot and bounced clear, referee Anthony Taylor indicated with his watch that it had crossed the line. However, VAR John Brooks stepped in because Salah was offside when he knocked Diaz’s low ball into Alexander-Arnold’s path.
United’s Ryan Gravenberch’s easy passing through their midfield led to a goalless draw, but Liverpool continued to play and eventually scored in the 35th minute. Casemiro’s mistake allowed Gravenberch to charge forward, but his teammate Dominik Szoboszlai ducked out of the way. United had a chance to counter, but Alisson Becker cleared it. Liverpool doubled their lead three minutes before half-time, with Diaz assisting again.
Toby Collyer replaced Casemiro at halftime, and he set up a chance for Joshua Zirkzee, whose shot was pushed wide by Alisson. However, Liverpool continued to dominate the midfield, and after Alexis Mac Allister dispossessed Kobbie Mainoo, Szoboszlai teed up Salah to make it three in the 56th minute.
United nearly added a fourth, but were denied by Andre Onana and Cody Gakpo. Zirkzee missed a close-range header, and defender Lisandro Martinez missed an unlikely overhead kick from substitute Amad Diallo’s cross. Zirkzee then missed another chance, but Ten Hag’s side were well beaten.
(Livescore)
