Liverpool, United play out another drab draw at Anfield

LONDON, United Kingdom (Kurdistan 24) – In the much-anticipated game at Anfield between Liverpool and Manchester United, it was a case of history repeating itself. A year after the two teams played out a drab goalless draw in October 2016, the fierce rivals followed with another stalemate.

Much like last year, Liverpool failed to break a stubborn United team despite dominating for long periods of the match.

Before the game, many speculated on another tactical shutout by United boss Jose Mourinho, and they were not disappointed, as Liverpool were largely frustrated again.

Liverpool had 19 shots, but poor finishing from the home side coupled with some inspired goalkeeping from Spain international David De Gea Liverpool was kept at bay.

The most notable incident in a drab first half was a terrific close-range save from De Gea to deny Cameroon defender Joel Matip, with Mohamed Salah firing wide from the rebound.

Romelu Lukaku, who has enjoyed a prolific start in a United shirt, was limited to one chance in the first half before Liverpool midfielder Emre Can spurred a golden chance in the second half.

Following the match, a clearly disappointed Liverpool boss, Jürgen Klopp, aimed a dig at Mourinho’s tactics, “I'm sure if we played like this—you could not do this at Liverpool. Obviously, for United it is okay.”

Klopp, who thought his side were worthy of three points, added, “I think United came here for the point and they got it. We wanted three points and didn't get it.”

However, Mourinho defended his tactics as he lamented his lack of options on the bench. He described the second half as a game of chess, noting, “My opponent didn’t open the door for me to win the game.”

United remains two points behind a rampant Manchester City side, who demolished Stoke City 7-2 on Saturday.

Nonetheless, having navigated a tricky away fixture against their fierce rivals at Anfield, it felt like a point gained for United and two dropped for Liverpool.

“A point, in this long marathon? A point at Anfield is okay”, Mourinho affirmed.

The stalemate meant that Liverpool has now won once in eight games, while United recorded their ninth clean sheet in their last 10 league games.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany