Liverpool’s display was disappointing, raising questions about their performance level ahead of their upcoming match against Arsenal.
Despite having 34 shots, Liverpool failed to create significant scoring opportunities—a stark contrast to United, who managed one chance out of their six attempts.
Their offensive efforts often seemed hurried in the final third, resorting to long-range shots (15 from outside the box) and tight-angle attempts. However, this approach, while different from their usual strategy, had previously yielded late goals to snatch victories in the season.
While Liverpool leads in scoring during the final 15 minutes of games this season, matching their first-half goal tally, Klopp is in the process of crafting a “Liverpool 2.0.” The midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch, all new to this fixture, reflects this evolution. Klopp made tactical substitutions, moving Trent Alexander-Arnold permanently into midfield, altering their formation to a 4-2-4. However, this change opened spaces for United to exploit, necessitating further adjustments.
The tactical highlight was United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, who stood out against Liverpool’s high press. Onana shifted from short to long passes, particularly targeting wide areas, to bypass Liverpool’s intense 4-4-2 press. Although inconsistent with his long passes, Onana managed to find United’s forwards on occasions, creating promising attacking opportunities.
Liverpool’s switch to a 4-2-4, moving Alexander-Arnold to midfield, provided United space to maneuver through the midfield and play long balls behind the defense—an aspect Klopp addressed with his subsequent substitutions.
While Liverpool dominated possession, they lacked attacking spark and struggled to pressure United consistently. Although opportunities arose, Kobbie Mainoo’s pass to Alejandro Garnacho led to one of the few notable chances.
Despite an average performance, securing a point at Anfield could be seen as a positive for Ten Hag’s side, considering their recent defeats and the Champions League exit. While their football lacked fluency, they displayed better organization, resilient defense, and a solid midfield partnership between Sofyan Amrabat and Mainoo.
Liverpool’s midfield is showing signs of fatigue, especially for Szoboszlai and Gravenberch, both needing a resurgence in form. Szoboszlai’s recent performances haven’t matched his earlier consistency, while Gravenberch struggled to impact the game effectively. Klopp may need to rest them to rejuvenate their gameplay.
Varane’s unexpected start on the left side was a surprise, although he performed admirably, contributing to a clean sheet. His partnership with Evans proved solid, showcasing leadership qualities and excellent positioning throughout the match.
Erik ten Hag praised specific players, including Kobbie Mainoo’s performance and Raphael Varane’s leadership qualities. McTominay, speaking for United, emphasized the team’s character and the need to build on this performance.
Klopp acknowledged the disappointment but recognized the positive aspects, highlighting the intense press and the atmosphere created by the fans. Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of navigating the tough fixture list and collecting enough points while maintaining a healthy squad.
