Premier League: Man United halt Liverpool’s title charge with thrilling draw at Anfield on January 5, 2025
Manchester United ended a four-game losing streak and earned a crucial point in their quest for Premier League survival, holding Liverpool to a 2-2 draw in a dramatic clash at Anfield on Sunday.
Despite Liverpool extending their lead at the top of the table to six points over second-placed Arsenal, this match proved to be a missed opportunity for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
United’s resilience and improved performance under manager Ruben Amorim saw them secure a draw after coming from behind to level the score.
The match began with an early surge from Liverpool, who had the chance to take the lead through Cody Gakpo, who fired wide of the post from a Ryan Gravenberch pass.
Mohamed Salah also came close, forcing Andre Onana into a fine save with a powerful shot from Alexis Mac Allister’s assist.
Manchester United, though slow to impose themselves on the game, grew in confidence as the match wore on.
The Red Devils had two notable opportunities to open the scoring before the break: Amad Diallo’s header missed the target from Diogo Dalot’s cross, and Rasmus Hojlund’s breakaway chance was thwarted by Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker.
However, the breakthrough came in the 40th minute from an unlikely source.
Lisandro Martinez, usually known for his defensive duties, stunned the Anfield crowd with a stunning strike into the top corner, giving United a 1-0 lead. It was just his second goal for the club and a memorable moment for the Argentine center-back.
Liverpool responded with urgency in the second half, and their equalizer came on the hour mark. Gakpo, in fine form, turned inside Matthijs de Ligt before blasting the ball past Onana to make it 1-1.
United’s defense, though, was soon put under pressure again, and a handball by De Ligt in the penalty area resulted in a VAR review and a penalty for Liverpool.
Salah converted from the spot, putting Liverpool 2-1 ahead in the 65th minute.
However, United’s response was immediate. Alejandro Garnacho, criticized for his attitude by manager Amorim, played a crucial role in the equalizer by providing a low cross into the box, which Amad Diallo expertly finished to make it 2-2 in the 80th minute.
Despite a tense final few minutes, which saw Harry Maguire miss a golden opportunity to score in stoppage time, United held firm to secure a valuable point.
The result propelled United up to 13th in the table, giving them some breathing space from the relegation zone.
Lisandro Martinez’s stunning goal: United’s defender opened the scoring with a blistering strike.
Gakpo’s equalizer: Liverpool responded with a brilliant individual goal from Gakpo.
Salah’s penalty: Salah converted a penalty after De Ligt’s handball.
Amad Diallo’s equalizer: Diallo struck late to secure the draw for United.
Despite Liverpool’s title push, United’s spirited performance underlined their potential to fight for survival in the Premier League.
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