Liverpool’s failure to score for the first time since April cost them top of the Premier League as Manchester United secured a goalless draw to break their arch-rivals’ club record.
Erik ten Hag’s side have excelled where their previous 34 opponents have failed to keep out a team with five attackers on the field and Trent Alexander-Arnold as the central mainstay.
The visitors did not offer much to threaten them as their goal drought in enemy territory stretched back to 507 minutes (five years ago), but they at least stopped the bleeding as they suffered 21 defeats in their last five home and away matches.
Liverpool
Alisson Becker
Alisson vowed United would ‘burn’. He didn’t exactly need a fire extinguisher to eliminate the minimal attacking threat, but his save from Hojlund’s 67th-minute attempt was crucial. 7
Trent Alexander-Arnold
The fact that Alexander-Arnold’s biggest contribution was his goal-saving intervention when removing Garnacho amply demonstrates United’s resilience. He was again used in various roles, but his passing radar was faulty. 6
Virgil van Dijk
In the match Liverpool won, Van Dijk was easily their best player. Leading his side towards another title challenge, he is back to his imperious best. He needs others to rise to his level if possible. 8
There was a strong presence against Hojlund – it was essentially man to man – but he should have won the game with a late header. He and Van Dijk spent as much time in midfield as guarding the penalty area, but to no avail. 8
He has made progress in the last week since deputizing for Andy Robertson. When he moved into good positions in the first half, he was often overlooked by his teammates, especially Nunez. One of his best games defensively. 7
He was the last man standing of Liverpool’s new midfield quartet. He was tigerish and dynamic and did well overall, but never threatened to unlock a stuffed United defence. 7
His touch often deserted him as he struggled to justify the Steven Gerrard comparisons at the start of the season. Early admission as a reflection of current form. Steps need to be taken again. 6
Outstanding move found space ‘between the lines’ but looked for the perfect pass or finish. I fell asleep less than an hour ago with what appeared to be a muscle injury. 6
Congestion in the United penalty area helped stifle it. He walked towards the end and seemed to be the one most likely to find an answer. He will feel United took better care of him than ever before. 6
As sharp as he has looked since the start of the season, he is enjoying it against Dalot in the first half. Then he turned pale and went to bed. 6
Darwin Nunez
Early booking was a sign of growing frustration; Klopp was yelling at him to channel his energy in a more positive direction. He was unable to muster any magic and was subdued. 6
Reserves
Gakpo for Gravenberch (61); Gomez for Szoboszlai (61); Jones for Diaz (78); Elliott for Nunez (78). The changes opened up the game in the final stages but had no impact this week.
Manchester United
He emerged from an unconvincing start and grew in confidence, making good saves from Van Dijk and Salah and playing his part in a solid defensive display. Great pass to release Antony. 7
Diogo Dalot
He put in an extremely disciplined and hard-working display at right-back before being sent off in stoppage time for two yellow cards for dissent. 7
Evans/Varane was United’s ninth centre-half pairing of the season but did not resemble a temporary partnership. Street news from the master defender. 8
Raphael Varane
United’s team bus suffered minor damage when it arrived at Anfield, but the bus, which Varane helped park perfectly on the pitch, escaped without any dents. 8
Ten Hag will be pleased that his first-choice left-back has been made fit for the game following a hamstring scare in midweek. We performed well against Salah. Late booking due to poor fighting in Konate. 7
Despite his inexperience and tender years, he is United’s most successful midfielder. Garnacho’s magnificent passes deserved more. 7
He passed the ball out very easily and often and moved as if he were wearing walking boots, but he went down in the second half. 6
Anthony
He played his part defensively and helped create the chance that Hojlund denied, but was too light and again offered little going forward. 5
Scott McTominey
The captain set up Hojlund’s chances in the absence of the suspended Scott McTominay. He worked hard but United needed more quality on the ball. 6
Alejandro Garnacho
He had a one-goal position when he was released by Mainoo in the second half, but could not get away from Alexander-Arnold. 5
Rasmus Hojlund
A golden goal opportunity was presented with United’s only shot on target of the game, softening their lines. The club still has no league goals. 5
Reserves
Rashford in Garnacho 71; Mejbri for Mainoo 82; Pellistri for Antony 82. Unused – Bayindir, Rashford, Reguilon, Pellistri, Wan-Bissaka, Van de Beek, Gore, Mejbri, Kambwala.