Premier League: Manchester United hold Liverpool 1-1 at home
What's the story
Former champions Manchester United kept their composure and played smart football as they held off league leaders Liverpool 1-0 in their Premier League encounter at the Old Trafford on Sunday. This was Liverpool's first draw of the season in the tournament, as they still remain atop the table, while United drop down to the 13th spot. Here is the report of this thrilling tie.
First quarter
Sole attack gives a crunch start to the match
It was expected to be a crunch encounter and both the teams didn't disappoint the fans. The opening quarter saw only one attack from the visitors in the 10th minute, as Roberto Firmino tried his luck from a tough angle, only to send the ball flying over the goal, into the fans, seated at the Stretford End.
Second quarter
An eventful quarter sees United lead at half-time
The second quarter saw Liverpool clearing a threat in the 28th minute, while Firmino's shot went into the hands of David de Gea, six minutes later. It was two minutes later when Daniel James crossed the ball to Marcus Rashford, who tucked it home, while Sadio Mane equalized it in the 44th minute, only for VAR to rule it out for a hand-ball.
Information
Liverpool press attack following half-time
Following the half-time, Liverpool pressed hard and went for the attack. However, the United defense was too strong to be penetrated as the visitors did come up with chances, but failed to convert the chances.
Fourth quarter
Two promising chances as Liverpool pull one back
The final quarter saw Liverpool pull up their ante in the 85th minute, as Andrew Robertson set up a beautiful cross for Adam Lallana, who was left unmarked, as he tucked it past de Gea. The 92nd minute saw the final attack from the visitors, as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shot through the ground at the edge of the box, only to go wide.
Key stats
Some key stats from the match
Here are some key stats from the match: United have never lost a home league game after leading at half-time, since 1984. Andrew Robertson has provided the most EPL assists since the beginning of the previous season (14, joint with Trent Alexander-Arnold). This was the first time since 2001 when an English player has scored for both sides in an United-Liverpool EPL encounter.
Twitter Post
Klopp still in hunt for maiden EPL win against Solskjær
2 - Ole Gunnar Solskjær is the only manager Jürgen Klopp has faced more than once in the Premier League and failed to beat (P2 W0 D2). Wheelie. pic.twitter.com/oixY0pbHkG
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 20, 2019
What's next?
Both teams shift focus to European campaign
Following the thrilling draw, both the teams have their respective European campaigns coming up. As United travel to Partizan for the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, Liverpool travel to Genk for their UEFA Champions League encounter. In EPL, United travel to Norwich City on Sunday, while Liverpool entertain Tottenham Hotspur on the same day.