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Three weeks on from their seven-goal FA Cup classic, Liverpool and Manchester United met again — and again, we were entertained.
Though this contest resulted in only four goals, Liverpool could have had significantly more in the first half alone, missing several chances while United failed to take any sort of attempt at Caoimhin Kelleher’s goal.
But, as they did in the cup, United made their rivals pay for their profligacy as Bruno Fernandes scored from 40 yards with an excellent first-time finish after Jarell Quansah had misplaced a pass, leaving Kelleher stranded. Kobbie Mainoo, as he has done before, then stepped up to defy his 18 years and put United in front.
Jurgen Klopp’s side should have been out of sight by half-time, but instead, they left with a point after a late Mohamed Salah penalty and now sit behind Premier League leaders Arsenal on goal difference with seven matches to play.
Our writers, Andy Jones, Carl Anka and Ahmed Walid, give their immediate analysis of the match.
What happened with Fernandes’ goal?
Quansah has been a revelation for Liverpool this season.
The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at League One side Bristol Rovers. Few expected him to be thrust into the limelight this season, but every test he has faced he has passed with flying colours.
That was until he misjudged a simple square pass to Virgil van Dijk. Fernandes capitalised and hit a first-time shot that flew past Kelleher and levelled the scores with United’s first shot of the game.
Up until that point, it had been another performance of a youngster who looked as if he had played at the top level for years. He was part of the defence which reduced United’s attackers to feeding off scraps.
It is unfair to blame a youngster making their 11th Premier League appearance — away at Old Trafford, no less — for the end result, but it was his mistake that cost Liverpool a goal.
Those with more experience in attacking areas were unable to bail him out because of their poor decision-making in front of goal. To his credit, Quansah put the mistake behind him and continued to perform defensively as he had done throughout.
It is a mistake from a young player that does not deserve to define the title race. Yet, after the final seven games of the season, it could be a crucial moment.
Andy Jones
How did this compare to FA Cup chaos?
Any chance of a controlled and composed performance from either side went out the window when Alejandro Garnacho rounded Kelleher to score within the first 100 seconds.
The ‘goal’ was ruled out for offside, but the message was clear: we were going to get more of the counter-attacking silliness from the 4-3 on March 17.
Ten Hag’s plan appeared to centre around catching Liverpool cold and scoring early… except Liverpool held their nerve and eventually got the game’s opener in the 23rd minute. United’s reaction to being a goal behind? More chaos.
In a team featuring the likes of Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, it makes sense to forgo structured, settled possession and try to hit Liverpool on the break. What’s made these last two encounters fun is Liverpool’s repeated and bizarre bungling of their counter-attacks — and Jurgen Klopp’s incensed demeanour when United spring a goal out of nowhere.
Fernandes has no right to seize upon a slack backpass and lob Kelleher from about 40 yards out. Mainoo managing to have the presence of mind to wave Garnacho away from the ball so he could be the one to turn and shoot and get United’s second was one of those wonderful bits of control in a chaotic setting.
The stats people will tell you United scored twice on two shots of low xG and such actions are rarely repeatable or sustainable. But sometimes the emotional narrative of a game can overcome the tactical requirements. Ten Hag’s men looked to have…
This article was originally published by a theathletic.com . Read the Original article here. .