Manchester United’s Uruguayan midfielder #28 Facundo Pellistri (L), Manchester United’s Scottish midfielder #39 Scott McTominay (3L). Manchester United’s Argentinian midfielder #17 Alejandro Garnacho (C) Manchester United’s Danish striker #11 Rasmus Hojlund (2R) and Manchester United’s English striker #10 Marcus Rashford (R) applaud the followers following the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on December 17, 2023. (Picture by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Manchester United ended Liverpool’s excellent document at Anfield on Sunday, holding the Premier League title chasers to a 0-0 draw after wins for Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Jurgen Klopp’s males got here into the match broadly anticipated to inflict but extra agony on their bitter rivals and boasting 11 wins from 11 video games in all competitions at dwelling this season.
Liverpool dominated, hogging almost 70 p.c of possession and had 34 photographs to United’s six however they may not break down their cussed opponents.
Klopp’s males end the day second within the desk, a degree behind Arsenal’s tally of 39 after the Gunners earlier beat Brighton 2-0.
The end result was an ethical victory for beleaguered United supervisor Erik ten Hag, whose staff final season suffered a 7-0 drubbing at Anfield and got here into the match with 12 defeats in 24 video games within the present marketing campaign.
United was lacking suspended captain Bruno Fernandes whereas out-of-form Marcus Rashford was as soon as once more on the bench.
However they dug deep and stopped their slide after a heavy dwelling defeat in opposition to Bournemouth final week and a tame Champions League exit in midweek.
United goalkeeper Andre Onana reacted sharply to maintain out a close-range Virgil van Dijk header within the first half and the guests might even have gained the sport, however Rasmus Hojlund’s shot was blocked on the close to put up by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Van Dijk stated Liverpool was annoyed by the end result, believing they had been “superior in all features”.
“In the event you see how we performed the sport, we had many of the ball and created some alternatives,” he advised Sky Sports activities. “There was just one staff making an attempt to win the sport.
“We need to win each recreation after all and that’s the reason it’s irritating. Typically we shot too straightforward and will have handed on the overlap. The precise choice was typically missing.”
Ten Hag stated his staff defended virtually completely however added that they wanted to indicate extra consistency.
“We play in very excessive highs and in addition typically in very low lows,” he stated. “If you wish to obtain one thing in a season you possibly can’t be beneath sure limits so we’ve to get the consistency.
“This was an excellent efficiency. You noticed Liverpool’s outcomes at dwelling and we acquired a clear sheet. Within the second half we had some excellent probabilities.”
There was a bitter word as Liverpool issued a press release condemning assaults on United’s staff bus earlier than the match, vowing to punish these accountable.
Arsenal dominates
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, runners-up to Manchester Metropolis final season, dominated on the Emirates, losing a succession of openings however they lastly broke by way of within the 53rd minute.
Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke jumped to move a nook away however might solely flick it into the trail of Gabriel Jesus, who headed the ball into an empty web.
Kai Havertz doubled the lead for the Gunners within the closing minutes, slotting previous goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen after being discovered by Eddie Nketiah.
“Unbelievable efficiency,” Arteta advised the BBC. “A pleasure to look at from the begin to the tip. The way in which we did it in opposition to this excellent staff.”
Throughout London, Unai Emery’s Villa fell behind to a Keane Lewis-Potter aim on the stroke of half-time.
Nonetheless, Brentford’s Ben Mee was despatched off within the 71st minute and 6 minutes later Villa was degree when Alex Moreno acquired on the tip of a Leon Bailey cross.
Ollie Watkins accomplished the turnaround in opposition to his former membership when he headed in a Boubacar Kamara flick-on from a nook with 5 minutes to go to make it 2-1.
Kamara was despatched off within the closing minutes for violent conduct.
Mohammed Kudus scored twice and Lucas Paqueta supplied all three assists on the London Stadium as West Ham beat Wolves 3-0.
The weekend’s Premier League motion was overshadowed by a stunning incident at Bournemouth, the place Luton captain Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest, forcing Saturday’s recreation to be deserted.
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Luton confirmed Lockyer was responsive earlier than being taken to hospital and was in a “steady” situation. In an replace on Sunday the membership stated he was present process assessments and scans.