Manchester United proving to be a thorn in Liverpool's side
Liverpool were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
Given the state of both clubs, not even the most ardent Manchester United supporter would have believed their team would be undefeated against Liverpool this season.
That's exactly how things have played out as Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford over the weekend. What's more the draw meant that Liverpool fell out of first place with Arsenal being the main beneficiary.
After going 1-0 up in the first half, Liverpool saw their lead disappear in the second with Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo scoring. A Mohamed Salah penalty brought the game level but Liverpool were unable to find a winner.
Liverpool were arguably the better side and perhaps should have scored at least another during the first half. But it wasn't meant to be as Manchester United have become a thorn in Liverpool's side this season.
"We should have won the game, that is clear," Jurgen Klopp said after the game. "We should have had other goals in the first half already. As far as I'm concerned, we have a point more than we did before. They put an extra shift it, that's how it is."
The other game he was referencing was the FA Cup quarterfinal, which Manchester United won 4-3 in extra time.
In their first meeting this season, Manchester United held Liverpool to a scoreless draw at Anfield.
"It feels like a loss, it is our fault again," Virgil van Dijk said. "We had so many chances and we should finish the game off."
With the draw, Liverpool now have the same number of points as Arsenal but trail the Gunners due to goal differential. Both sides are only a point in front of Manchester City.
For Liverpool, these dropped points against Manchester United are going to haunt them if they end up being the difference maker come the end of the season. Especially because they were ahead and were unable to see the game off.
In a weird twist of fate, Liverpool may need to rely on Manchester United come May when the Red Devils host Arsenal in what could end up being a title decider.
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Liverpool now must turn their attention to Europe as they face off against Atalanta in the Europa League before hosting Crystal Palace in the Premier League.