Manchester United ended a four-game losing streak and halted Liverpool’s charge towards the Premier League title with a dramatic 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday.
Liverpool now sits six points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand over second-placed Arsenal. However, Arne Slot’s men will rue a missed opportunity after recovering from 1-0 down to lead 2-1 through Cody Gakpo and a Mohamed Salah penalty, only to be pegged back by an 80th-minute Amad Diallo equaliser.
The result was a significant morale boost for United, who moved up to 13th in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone. Manager Ruben Amorim, whose side had suffered a crushing 2-0 defeat to Newcastle last Monday, saw a revitalised performance, strengthened by the returns of Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, and Kobbie Mainoo.
Liverpool began with purpose, creating early chances. Cody Gakpo narrowly missed the target from Ryan Gravenberch’s pass, while Salah’s perfect ball to Alexis Mac Allister forced Andre Onana into a sharp save.
United grew into the game, with opportunities of their own. Amad Diallo’s miscued header from Diogo Dalot’s cross and Rasmus Hojlund’s missed one-on-one with Alisson Becker prevented the visitors from taking a first-half lead.
United’s persistence paid off early in the second half when Lisandro Martinez ended the team’s six-year Anfield goal drought. The Argentine defender smashed a stunning strike off the underside of the bar, giving United a surprise lead.
Liverpool responded swiftly. Gakpo turned past Matthijs de Ligt and fired a powerful shot into the top corner for his 10th goal in 15 games.
Slot’s side took the lead after VAR awarded a penalty for De Ligt’s handball. Salah converted confidently for his 18th goal of the season.
However, United refused to fold. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho delivered a low cross for Diallo, who slotted home to earn United a well-deserved point. The Red Devils nearly snatched victory in stoppage time, but Harry Maguire blazed Joshua Zirkzee’s pass over the bar.
Amorim hailed his side’s fighting spirit. “This was the performance we needed to turn our season around,” he said. Slot, meanwhile, acknowledged United’s improvement, saying, “They are far better than their league position suggests.”
The result leaves Liverpool’s title charge intact but under pressure, while United gains renewed confidence to climb the table.
