Manchester United ended their four-game losing streak and denied Liverpool a clear run toward the Premier League title in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday. The result leaves Liverpool six points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, ahead of second-placed Arsenal.
However, the draw was a missed opportunity for Liverpool, who had fought back from a 1-0 deficit to take a 2-1 lead through Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah’s penalty.
United, who were enduring a rough patch, took the lead in spectacular fashion through Lisandro Martinez, snapping a six-year goal drought at Anfield.
Amad Diallo then struck an equalizer in the 80th minute, securing a point for United following a much-improved performance.
This draw lifted United to 13th in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk in action. Photo: Reuters
Liverpool manager Arne Slot had warned before the match that United were "much better" than their league position suggested, and his words rang true.
Despite a dismal 2-0 loss to Newcastle earlier in the week, United showed resilience, aided by the return of captain Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte from suspension, and Kobbie Mainoo to the starting lineup.
Liverpool had early chances to break the deadlock, with Gakpo missing narrowly and Alexis Mac Allister forcing goalkeeper Andre Onana into a fine save.
United took some time to find their footing but should have been ahead before halftime when Diallo misfired a header, and Rasmus Hojlund was thwarted by Liverpool's Alisson Becker.
In the second half, United’s breakthrough came from an unlikely source: Martinez. The Argentine defender thundered a strike off the underside of the bar for just his second goal for the club.
However, Liverpool responded quickly, with Gakpo turning past Matthijs de Ligt and blasting the ball past Onana for his 10th goal of the season.
Manchester United's Amad Diallo scores their second goal past Liverpool's Alisson Becker. Photo: Reuters
Liverpool's lead was extended by Salah after a handball from De Ligt led to a penalty, with Salah scoring his 18th Premier League goal of the season.
Despite this, United’s fighting spirit saw them grab a deserved equalizer. Alejandro Garnacho, who had been criticized for his attitude, provided the assist for Diallo's low cross, which was turned in to level the score.
United had one final chance to claim all three points deep into stoppage time when Harry Maguire missed an open goal from a Joshua Zirkzee pass.
Nevertheless, the Red Devils left Anfield with a hard-fought point, halting their losing streak and showing signs of resilience under new manager Ruben Amorim.
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