Bitter rivals fail to fire in Anfield cauldron
This game became one that must not be lost, rather than one which must desperately won; and both Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho would have accepted the outcome before kick-off.
It enables Klopp’s Liverpool, with five consecutive victories heading into this match, to not lose confidence from a defeat to their bitter rivals.
While for Mourinho and Manchester United their mini-revival after a brief early season wobble can help build momentum going into a testing period of fixtures which includes Chelsea on Sunday.
The fuse had been lit on his fixture beforehand and maybe the expectation meant that perhaps it was never going to live up to that hype.
That it came at such a formative stage of the Premier League campaign ensured neither manager felt the necessity to take a gamble. Apart from a few moments in the second half this was largely safety first.
It had been billed as the Mourinho’s pragmatic United versus Klopp’s high intensity Liverpool.
In truth Liverpool were perhaps a little more cautious than their effervescent selves, although they finished the game much the stronger.
United, offered a touch more ambition than maybe had been anticipated, particularly in the first half, even if it did not manifest itself in terms of clear-cut chances.
It was United’s defensive qualities that ultimately came to the fore.
If supporters of either side had been searching for clues as to whether their side are potential title challengers they would have left none the wiser.
Liverpool were deprived of the injured Georginio Wijnaldum so Emre Can started alongside Jordan Henderson in a midfield defensive role while Daniel Sturridge started as a lone striker.
Mourinho once again left Rooney on the bench as Zlatan Ibrahimovic was utilised as the focal point of United’s attack. Paul Pogba was also handed a more advanced role in an attacking triumvirate featuring Marcus Rashford and Ashley Young.
These sides met four times last season but those contests lacked the blood and thunder synonymous with the fixture. There was plenty of early spice here. Marcus Rashford clattered into James Milner shortly after kick-off with the youngster fortunate to escape without a booking.
It ultimately proved short-lived as the game reverted to one typical of recent meetings.
United were presented with a free-kick in a dangerous position early on. Zatan Ibrahimovic stood like a peacock showing its feathers only to blast his attempt high into the Kop — to which the home fans took great delight.
The Swedish striker — so often the man for the big occasion — showed another glimpse with a deflected shot which was comfortably caught by Loris Karius in the Liverpool goal.
Mourinho promised beforehand would not park the bus, and as the first half wore on they showed plenty of positive intent. Rashford’s trickery and energy down the right flank saw him glide past Milner and deliver a dangerous cross which forced Loris Karius off his line to thwart the lurking Ibrahimovic.
It took Liverpool until just before the half-hour mark to register their first meaningful effort on goal; Henderson’s curling ball met by Roberto Firmino who headed into the hands of David De Gea.
However, the tactical nature of the contest meant neither side was prepared to go that extra yard in the first half. Caution was the watchword.
Ten minutes into the second half United created an opening when Paul Pogba’s curling ball from the right found Ibrahimovic at the back post but the Sweden striker tamely headed back across goal.
Just before the hour mark the Reds showed a bit more ambition and Emre Can, in a rare foray forward, wriggled into the box and curled a struck a low which De Gea dived to keep out.
These were half chances, but after the first period had been lacked real zip it at least hinted that the contest might spark into life.
Klopp withdrew the ineffective Sturridge for Adam Lallana, although the striker can count himself a little unfortunate such was the lack of ammunition.
Philippe Coutinho had endured a largely frustrating evening and came deep in search of the ball, although rarely to much effect.
However, 10 minutes later the diminutive Brazilian produced a moment of quality as he struck a brilliant long-range effort which De Gea tipped wide.
Mourinho introduced Rooney with 13 minutes’ left after his side retreated into their shells a little but it was a little too late for him to influence the game. Coutinho’s compatriot Roberto Firmino had fared much the same, but the Kop stood in anticipation when he burst into the box only for a brilliant last-ditch tackle by Antonio Valencia to deny him.
Of the 48 Premier League clashes between Liverpool and United, there has only ever been one which ended goalless. This became the largely forgettable second.
Karius 6; Clyne 6, Lovren 7, Matip 6, Milner 6 (Moreno 86; 6); Can 7, Henderson 7; Coutinho 7, Firmino 6 (Origi 85; 6), Mane 6; Sturridge 5 (Lallana 60; 7).
Mignolet, Klavan, Lucas, Grujic.
De Gea 7; Valencia 8, Bailly 6, Smalling 7, Blind 6; Herrera 8, Fellaini 6; Rashford 7 (Rooney 77; 6), Pogba 6, Young 5 (Shaw 90; 6); Ibrahimovic 7.
Romero, Rojo, Carrick, Lingard, Mata
Anthony Taylor.
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