On Jurgen Klopp’s farewell visit to Old Trafford, Mohamed Salah’s late penalty kick preserved a 2-2 draw for Manchester United, denting their fierce rivals’ title hopes.
Their long-standing rivalry was renewed in a similarly chaotic Premier League match on Sunday, three weeks after Erik ten Hag’s team narrowly won an FA Cup classic at the end of extra time.
Luis Diaz gave dominant Liverpool a well-earned lead at halftime against a struggling United, but a stunning 45-yard strike from Bruno Fernandes and an outstanding effort from Kobbie Mainoo turned the game around.
As Aaron Wan-Bissaka pulled down Harvey Elliott, Salah equalized with a late penalty, but Ten Hag’s team successfully turned the tables on their long-time rivals.
Although it was Klopp’s team’s 27th victory after trailing, it might not have been enough to tie leaders Arsenal on 71 points, with a significant goal differential gap.
Liverpool will be hoping that, unlike five years ago, a costly Old Trafford tie does not end up costing them the title.
Alejandro Garnacho raced through to round Caoimhin Kelleher and score in 71 seconds, exactly as the tie from three weeks ago finished.
But, the referee promptly raised the flag, citing the teenager’s offside behavior after being pushed through by Fernandes. United’s high-octane start to the game abruptly ended when they were unable to register a first-half shot.
With Willy Kambwala making just his second start, United’s ramshackle, injury-riddled backline gave way for the first time, as Andre Onana produced a powerful hand to stop Dominik Szoboszlai.
Before the opposing team’s opening goal in the 23rd minute, Andy Robertson had two more opportunities that the Liverpool midfielder missed.
Darwin Nunez flicked on Robertson’s corner from the right at the near post, and United’s careless defenders paid a price when the strangely open Diaz volleyed into the ground and past Onana.
Although the visitors deserved it, the hosts could have tied the score almost instantly if someone had assaulted Casemiro’s header from a free kick that went back across the goal.
Liverpool appeared committed to making the most of the let-off. Salah missed two chances from Onana, and he slashed another one.
United supporters’ frustration was palpable and grew when Casemiro kicked the ball out of play after Diaz went down injured.
The goalscorer did not even require treatment and was soon threatening to extend Liverpool’s lead which they continued to threaten when the second half got under way.
United struggled initially but managed to score a 50th-minute leveller through a first-time effort from Fernandes. Liverpool missed a chance to score, but Nunez saved a chance at the back post. In the 67th minute, Mainoo scored a brilliant goal, sparking a climactic moment for Old Trafford.
United fans cheered as Garnacho saw a shot saved and Joe Gomez’s attempt stopped. Onana denied Diaz, but Salah missed the follow-up. In the 82nd minute, United piled on the pressure, with Diaz scoring from six yards.
Kelleher prevented Antony from sealing another stunning winner, with Elliott’s shot denied. The game was a thrilling match between United and Liverpool, with both teams aiming for a win.
(Livescore)
