Liverpool drew 2-2 with Manchester United as Mohamed Salah’s late penalty saw the Reds fight back to claim what could be a valuable point in the Premier League title race.
After serving up an FA Cup classic last month, these two rivals played out another thriller at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Having gone 1-0 up through Luis Diaz, Liverpool could have been out of sight by half-time, but their profligacy in front of goal proved costly when Bruno Fernandes made Jarrell Quansah pay for a loose pass with an audacious strike to restore parity after the break.
Kobbie Mainoo subsequently sparked wild celebrations with a delightful curling finish, but Salah’s composure following Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s foul on Harvey Elliott ensured Liverpool moved level on points with Arsenal, though the Gunners – and Manchester City – will feel they are the big winners from this encounter.
- SERAP sues Akpabio over Ningi, refers ‘budget padding’ to EFCC, ICPC
- NNPP is best alternative for Nigerians – Kwankwaso
Alejandro Garnacho saw a goal ruled out for offside within two minutes of kick-off before Dominik Szoboszlai was denied by Andre Onana in a frenzied start.
The visitors netted a deserved opener with 23 minutes played, Darwin Nunez flicking on Andrew Robertson’s corner to Luis Diaz, who slammed home from close range.
United didn’t have a shot in the first half, but their fortunes changed moments after the restart thanks to Quansah’s mistake.
The defender carelessly gave the ball away, and Fernandes, from the centre circle, took full advantage by arrowing a first-time finish over Caoimhin Kelleher, United’s first shot of the match.
And Liverpool were left to further rue their earlier missed chances as Mainoo curled an exquisite finish into the far corner, giving Kelleher no chance, to put United ahead.
But with less than 10 minutes left, Wan-Bissaka sent Elliott tumbling in the box, and Salah made no mistake from the spot to slot in and earn his side a point, with United – who went close late on through Antony – remaining 11 points off the top four.
Salah’s equaliser from the penalty spot was his sixth Premier League goal at Old Trafford against United, the most of any visiting player in the competition’s history.
All seven of Liverpool’s last Premier League penalties against United have been at Old Trafford.
However, the Reds might well look at this as an opportunity lost. With seven matches left, they are on the same points as Arsenal, but behind the league leaders on goal difference, while City sit just a point behind in third.
Garnacho (19), Willy Kambwala (19) and Mainoo (18) all started for United, the first time the Red Devils have begun with three teenagers in a Premier League match against Liverpool.
Mainoo became the first 18-year-old to net a Premier League goal against Liverpool since Cesc Fabregas for Arsenal in May 2005, while he is also the youngest-ever United scorer against Liverpool in the competition.
