Manchester United fought to a hard-earned 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday, frustrating Premier League leaders Liverpool, who nonetheless extended their lead at the top to six points, with a game in hand.
Lisandro Martinez gave United a shock lead with a stunning strike, but Cody Gakpo quickly equalized for Liverpool. Mohamed Salah then put the hosts ahead with a penalty, only for Amad Diallo to score a late equalizer and earn a deserved point for the Red Devils.
Despite the draw, Liverpool’s position at the summit remains secure, as they are six points clear of second-placed Arsenal. However, the result felt like a missed opportunity for Jürgen Klopp’s side, especially after having recovered from a 1-0 deficit to lead 2-1.
United’s goal was a rare and spectacular moment for a team that had struggled at Anfield in recent years, ending a six-year drought of goals on Liverpool’s home turf. Their second-half response, sparked by Diallo’s strike, ensured they left Merseyside with a valuable point after a much-improved performance.
The draw lifted Manchester United to 13th in the Premier League, still seven points clear of the relegation zone. For Liverpool, the point kept them in control at the top, but manager Arne Slot had warned before the game that United were a far stronger side than their league position suggested — and so it proved.
United’s resilient display
Having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle just days earlier, a result that left manager Ruben Amorim claiming his team was in a relegation battle, United needed a positive response. The return of key players Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, and Kobbie Mainoo bolstered their side, and their defensive strategy frustrated Liverpool, though the hosts had their chances early.
Gakpo was inches away from opening the scoring when he prodded Ryan Gravenberch’s through ball wide of the far post. Moments later, Salah played a beautiful ball to Alexis Mac Allister, whose powerful shot was blocked by United goalkeeper Andre Onana’s feet.
United grew into the game and should have been ahead before halftime. Diallo squandered a header from a Diogo Dalot cross with the goal at his mercy, while Rasmus Højlund had the best chance of the first half, racing in behind Liverpool’s defense, only to be denied by Alisson Becker.
Martinez breaks the deadlock
United’s breakthrough came in the 36th minute, and it came from an unexpected source. Lisandro Martinez, who had been solid defensively all game, turned into an unlikely hero when he smashed a blistering shot off the underside of the bar to give his team a shock 1-0 lead. The Anfield crowd fell silent as the league leaders looked momentarily rattled.
However, Liverpool’s attacking depth soon came to the fore. On the hour mark, Gakpo—one of Liverpool’s most in-form players—turned Matthijs de Ligt inside out and blasted past Onana to level the score at 1-1. The Dutch forward’s 10th goal of the season came at a crucial moment for Liverpool, who were struggling to find their rhythm.
Salah puts Liverpool ahead
Slot responded to United’s equalizer by making two attacking changes, bringing on Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez to add more firepower. The move paid off just minutes later when Mac Allister’s header from a corner flicked off De Ligt’s arm inside the penalty area. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, and Salah stepped up to coolly slot home for a 2-1 lead, his 18th Premier League goal in 19 appearances.
Despite the setback, United refused to roll over, and their resilience earned them a deserved point in the 80th minute. Alejandro Garnacho, who had faced criticism from his new manager for his attitude, delivered a crucial low cross that was turned in by Diallo for the equalizer.
United almost snatched all three points in stoppage time when Harry Maguire, presented with a glorious chance following a Joshua Zirkzee pass, blazed the ball over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
A point with plenty of promise
For United, the draw marked a significant improvement after their recent slump, as Amorim’s side showed spirit and determination. It also provided a vital boost to their survival hopes after a difficult start to the season. Liverpool, meanwhile, will be pleased to extend their lead at the top, but they will need to address the lapses in concentration that allowed United to escape with a point.
