Disappointing stalemate at Anfield
Premier League – 17th October 2016: Liverpool 1, Manchester United 1.
Well that was a bit of a let-down. As so often is the case with a much-awaited game, the greater the anticipation, the less it delivers – shame. Quite simply this was a match that never really ignited and of the two Managers Jose Mourinho will be much the happier. A point away at Liverpool, based on their respective form, has to be a satisfactory outcome. United look like a team in need of a breather already – a chance to regroup, a chance to take stock – their form has wavered recently and their recent performances have not lived up to their early season promise.
For Jurgen Klopp, his frown on the final whistle summed it up – this was not in keeping with Liverpool’s recent irresistible form that has yielded four straight wins and earned high praise for their high-tempo, fleet-footed attacking style. But you have the feeling this draw will not necessarily impede their impressive recent progress. The nimble feet, speed of thought and lightness of touch are still much in evidence from Klopp’s key men in Coutinho, Firmino and Lallana.
The thought persists that the tribal nature and fierce Lancashire rivalry surrounding these two titans affected Liverpool’s fluidity as much as anything else. Mourinho’s United gave it a reasonable go initially, but their lack of ambition – apart from a strong opening fifteen minutes when they dominated possession – seemed to hold them back more as the game went on.
The game’s highlights were two David de Gea saves which underline his impressive confidence and concentration – and superb athleticism – reflected in the tip around his post from a wonderful Coutinho 30-yard strike. One national newspaper measured his save height at 7ft – amazing. Prior to that save de Gea showed his class to repel an Emre Can shot, low and to de Gea’s right from close range, but he was there in an instant, with a trademark strong hand, pushing the ball away to safety.
United look to be in a state of uncertainty at present, Mourinho tinkering with his team on a regular basis and a dip in form from a few of his players. Ibrahimovic has stopped scoring, Rooney is currently bench-warming, and the world’s most expensive player has so far performed at a level that might have Mourinho searching for the receipt and checking out his refund options. Harsh? Possibly…but surely the Old Trafford faithful expect an awful lot more from a player costing so much money.
Pogba is less box-to-box and more where-is-the-box so far. Unquestionably you’d expect him to come good at some point, making an impact, influencing games. However, the meter has been running for some time now, and remember that meter started off with £89.3m on it. Personally, I would have expected much more from Mr Pogba by now, if I were Mourinho.
Chris Tribe
18th October 2016
Next games:
Liverpool: West Bromwich Albion (A) – Premier League – Saturday 22nd October, 5.30pm Manchester United: Chelsea (A) – Premier League – Sunday 23rd October, 4.00pm
Photo credit: Pituitry/Wikipedia Commons
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