On January 6th at 1:00 AM Beijing time, the 20th round of the Premier League featured a double red derby, with Manchester United visiting league leaders Liverpool. Prior to the match, Amorim revealed that Rashford was not included in the squad due to injury.
[Game Highlights]
After the opening whistle, Liverpool took a clear advantage on the field. However, compared to their previous winning streak, Liverpool did not create many clear-cut chances.
Conversely, Manchester United had two absolute opportunities in the first half. Amad's close-range header turned into a clearance, saving Liverpool, and Hoilen's one-on-one chance was also saved by Alisson.
At halftime, both teams drew 0-0. After the break, Onana made a heroic save. In the 52nd minute, Arnold's pass was intercepted, and B fee assisted Lima to break the deadlock.
In the 59th minute, Gakpo equalized the score, and in the 70th minute, Salah scored from the penalty spot, completing the comeback for Liverpool. Salah scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists in 19 rounds, creating 31 goals, surpassing Suarez's record of 30 goals and setting a new record for the most goals involved in the first 19 rounds of the Premier League.
In the 80th minute, Arnold's defense once again faltered, and Garnacho assisted Amad to equalize the score. Ultimately, this thrilling double red derby ended in a 2-2 draw. Liverpool maintained their unbeaten streak in all competitions (20 wins and 4 draws), leading Arsenal by 6 points and having one fewer game played than the Gunners. Meanwhile, Manchester United finally halted their three-game losing streak in the league and their four-game losing streak in all competitions.
However, Manchester United has now gone five games without a win in all competitions. Fortunately, they managed to climb above West Ham United to 13th place in the standings thanks to this draw.
[Exciting Moments]
In the 13th minute, Liverpool launched a fierce attack, but Arnold's shot was blocked by Lima, and Dias' follow-up shot soared high.
In the 15th minute, Gravenberch's pass was as precise as a scalpel, but Gakpo's calm lob over the advancing Onana just missed the goal.
In the 20th minute, Manchester United's flank combination broke through Liverpool's defense, with Dalot's cross met by Amad's header, which turned into an accurate clearance.
In the 29th minute, Van Dijk passed the ball forward, and Gravenberch unleashed a sudden long-range shot that narrowly missed the target.
In the 42nd minute, Manchester United had a golden opportunity, but Hoilen's shot against Alisson was heroically saved by the Liverpool goalkeeper with his body.
In the 47th minute, Liverpool earned a corner kick, and the ball headed towards the goal, only to be punched away by Onana.
In the 52nd minute, Arnold's pass was intercepted, and Manchester United quickly counterattacked. B fee provided a precise assist, and Lima blasted the ball past Alisson from a tight angle.
In the 59th minute, Ugarte's clearance was intercepted, and McKa provided a brilliant through ball. Gakpo dribbled past a defender before shooting to level the score.
In the 66th minute, during a Liverpool cross, the ball struck De Ligt's arm, and Oliver reviewed the incident before awarding a penalty.
In the 70th minute, Salah stepped up to take the penalty. Although Onana guessed correctly, the ball's speed was too fast, allowing Liverpool to retake the lead.
In the 80th minute, substitute Garnacho crossed the ball, and Liverpool's central defense faltered. Amad redeemed himself by scoring the equalizer.
[Starting Lineups]
Liverpool starting lineup: 1-Alisson, 4-Van Dijk, 5-Konate, 26-Robertson, 66-Arnold, 10-McCullister, 17-Curtis Jones, 38-Heravenbech, 7-Luis Diaz, 11-Salah, 18-Gakpo.
Liverpool substitutes: 62-Kelleher, 3-Endo, 9-Nunez, 14-Chiesa, 19-Elliott, 20-Jota, 21-Zimikas, 78-Kuansha, 84-Bradley.
Manchester United starting lineup: 24-Onana, 4-De Ligt, 5-Maguire, 6-Lisandro Martinez, 3-Mazravi, 20-Dalot, 25-Ugarte, 37-Meunier, 16-Amad, 8-B fee, 9-Hoilen.
Manchester United substitutes: 1-Bayindir, 12-Malacia, 15-Yueluo, 18-Casemiro, 43-Collier, 14-Eriksen, 21-Anthony, 17-Garnacho, 11-Zirkzee.