Manchester United secured a stunning victory an Anfield to condemn Liverpool to an unbelievable fourth consecutive defeat as the visitors won a pulsating derby 2-1. There was controversy just seconds into the match after Bryan Mbeumo fired the visitors in front, despite a head injury to Alexis Mac Allister in the build-up. Cody Gakpo equalised for Arne Slot’s side, but Harry Maguire’s header in the 84th minute sealed a memorable win for United.
Amorim’s side made a flying start to the match, taking a dramatic lead in the second minute as United broke quickly upfield and Mbeumo fired low past Giorgio Marmadashvili. Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister took a blow to the head in the build-up, but referee Michael Oliver didn’t spot it, leaving the home fans furious.
The visitors were the better side in the opening half with both Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes missing gilt-edged chances to extend United’s lead, and as the game progressed it seemed Amorim’s team were likely to edge further in front. But Slot rang the changes on the hour and it was one of the substitutes, Federico Chiesa, who teed up Gakpo to fire home from close range and level the match.
Anfield suddenly came to life as home fans sensed an unlikely victory, but it was United who scored again to stun the crowd as Maguire headed Fernandes’ cross back across goal to seal the points and United’s first win on this ground since back in January 2016.
GOAL rates Liverpool players from Anfield…
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Giorgi Mamardashvili (5/10):
Playing just his second Premier League game for the Reds as Alisson remains injured and was stunned early on after Mbeumo struck the ball fiercely low past him for the opener. Was little he could do for Maguire's goal either.
Conor Bradley (6/10):
Impressed during the international break with Northern Ireland and was kept busy all afternoon by Dalot and Mount, but barely put a foot wrong. Was taken off in the 62nd minute.
Ibrahima Konate (6/10):
Back in the starting line-up after recovering from injury and played Mbeumo onside for the opening goal. Was reasonably sound for the vast majority of the game.
Virgil van Dijk (5/10):
Ahead of the match, the Liverpool captain spoke about how it was ‘pretty clear’ his team needed to improve, but was partially at fault for the opener after failing to spot the run of Mbeumo in behind him.
Milos Kerkez (5/10):
An ever-present for the Reds so far this season, at the expense of Robertson, but endured a torrid first-half. Amad ran him ragged and looked very uncomfortable at times.
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Ryan Gravenberch (6/10):
Has been one of Slot’s standout performers this season and, while he played positively throughout, he failed to make a major impact and took a hefty blow on his ankle before being subbed on the hour.
Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):
Took a hefty whack to the head just moments into the match and played the rest of the game wearing a protective covering. Covered plenty of ground, but was quiet by his standards and was subbed in the 60th minute.
Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):
Has been one of Liverpool's standout performers this season and, while he showed good attacking intent, was below-par. Moved into full-back position when Bradley was hooked on the hour mark.
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Mohamed Salah (5/10):
Wasted a golden opportunity, but snatched at the ball and fired wide from eight yards out in the 65th minute. Was a surprisingly quiet afternoon for the Reds talisman who normally thrives in these matches.
Cody Gakpo (7/10):
Recently admitted to feeling more at home at Liverpool than playing for his native Netherlands, and you can see why. Turned home Chiesa's cross from a couple of yards out and could have had a sackful more as he hit the post three times throughout the match. One of Liverpool's better performers.
Alexander Isak (4/10):
Will be hugely disappointed with his performance. Seemed nervous throughout and failed to show enough composure when half-chances came his way. Still not showing the quality which convinced Liverpool to invest so heavily in him. Was subbed in the 72nd minute, and there's work for Slot to do to get the best out of him.
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Florian Wirtz (5/10):
A few neat touches, but no impact. Wasn't on the pitch long enough to shoulder any blame for the defeat and will be looking the the forthcoming matches to be given more time from Slot.
Curtis Jones (5/10):
Not enough time to make an impact in midfield after being brought on as Sot made wholesale changes on the hour mark.
Hugo Ekitike (6/10):
Was a real live wire from the moment he came on the pitch. Had a few long-range efforts blocked, but without any luck.
Federico Chiesa (6/10):
Was finally given his chance with 20 minutes remaining and repaid the manager's faith by setting up Liverpool's equaliser.
Jeremie Frimpong (6/10):
Did brilliantly down the wing to set up a chance for Gakpo, but the header sailed over the bar.
Arne Slot (5/10):
The Liverpool boss has more questions than answers as he watched his side struggle all afternoon. Key players, particularly new signings, just aren't at the races. It's his job to find those answers, and find them soon. Four defeats in a row is unacceptable.