After a week dominated by rumours regarding his future, the England international had a nightmare at Anfield as Arne Slot's side dropped two points
Liverpool missed the chance to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as they were held to a 2-2 draw by a spirited Manchester United on Sunday.
Both teams began the game with real intent, as Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister went close for the hosts while Amad Diallo spurned a good chance at the other end.
Ryan Gravenberch and Rasmus Hojlund traded efforts in a very even first half before United scored for the first time in six Premier League Anfield visits through Lisandro Martinez in the 52nd minute. But just when it looked like it could be the Red Devils' day, Gakpo slammed home to even proceedings seven minutes later.
The Reds then took the lead 20 minutes from time after Matthijs De Ligt handled in the box and Mohamed Salah dispatched the resulting penalty. Ruben Amorim's side would not go away, however, and the visitors drew level in the 79th minute through Amad's smart finish.
Harry Maguire should have won it at the death when he fired over from close-range, but in the end, Liverpool had to settle for a draw and a six-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal.
GOALrates Liverpool's players from Anfield...
Goalkeeper & Defence
Alisson (6/10):
Came up trumps in goal just when his team needed him with some important saves, but couldn't do too much about United's goals.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (3/10):
As Roy Keane put it, the right back was "defensively all over the place". His fortunes did not improve in the second half, either. Real Madrid won't be itching to sign him over these types of performances...
Ibrahima Konate (6/10):
The returning defender was caught out of position on a number of occasions in the first half. Looked a bit more like himself as the match wore on, but wasn't at his best.
Virgil van Dijk (8/10):
When half of his defence was off-colour, the Dutchman led by example at the back again. Really is a force to be reckoned with.
Andrew Robertson (6/10):
Didn't do too much wrong at the back but just doesn't seem to be as effective at both ends of the pitch.
NEXT MATCH
Carabao Cup
TOTTENHAM
LIVERPOOL
Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch (7/10):
Showed plenty of attacking intent, courtesy of his driving runs, but he and his team-mates lost the midfield battle in the opening 45. His improvement helped Liverpool gain more parity in the second half.
Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):
Worked tirelessly in the centre of the park and held his own against United's competent midfield. Bagged an assist, too.
Curtis Jones (5/10):
Has had a see-saw battle with Dominik Szoboszlai for a Liverpool starting berth, but this performance may make Slot look to the Hungarian next time out. Mainoo certainly got the better of him.
Attack
Mohamed Salah (7/10):
Didn't get much joy out of Dalot for long periods but looked more dangerous in the game's closing stages. Took his penalty well for his 18th Premier League goal of the season.
Luis Diaz (5/10):
Spurned a good early chance but other than that had a quiet first half. Not his best game before being replaced on the hour-mark.
Cody Gakpo (7/10):
Nearly pulled off a great instinctive first-half finish but met his match against the combative Mazraoui. Took his goal in expert fashion after sitting down De Ligt and then firing home.
Subs & Manager
Diogo Jota (6/10):
Was quite quiet initially but looked a threat in the game's dying embers.
Darwin Nunez (6/10):
Was a nuisance in attack but committed a cynical foul on De Ligt which means he is suspended for the upcoming Nottingham Forest clash.
Conor Bradley (7/10):
Did more in his cameo than Alexander-Arnold did all game and almost caught out Onana with a late effort.
Harvey Elliott (N/A):
Didn't get many opportunities to shine.
Arne Slot (7/10):
His side looked off the pace and lethargic at times, but United's goals spurred them into action. Maybe lost the tactical battle for once but it's a point closer to a league title.
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