Epic Clash Leaves Both Fans Emotional
Manchester United and Liverpool traded blows in an instant classic for the rivalry
By Felix Short 
| October 24, 2021, 11:59 PM EST
United players were in disbelief when they watched Liverpool tie it in the depths of extra time. (Michael Bradley/Manchester Guardian)
Manchester, England – Manchester United and Liverpool entered Sunday night’s derby as top billing for the weekend, and one of the most anticipated games of the month, and this contest delivered everything everyone could have hoped for. Aside from a victory for either fan base. Still both sides did feel enormous triumph and devastating heartbreak over the course of ninety minutes.
Liverpool’s elite defense entered today’s game having shut out half of their opponents so far this season. Everyone wanted to know if they could shut out the seemingly ageless Cristiano Ronaldo. Liverpool’s constant press and the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson would all make great plays in this game despite the final 3-3 score line.
It was that Liverpool defense that cracked first as Cristiano Ronaldo drove past for a goal in the 8th minute. Heartbreak struck early for United as the goal was called off for offsides, and Bruno Fernandes was hurt on the play after a collision with Fabinho, which left his shoulder unplayable. He was replaced by Paul Pogba. Matters got worse a few minutes later when Liverpool’s offense deconstructed the Untied defense and Naby Keïta put the ball in the back of the net in the 13th minute to open the scoring. Pogba, who had come in after the Fernandes injury, brought United back to even in the 25th minute after a touch and go with Marcus Rashford gave Pogba just enough space to get a shot off. He did, watching a screamer fly right by the outstretched Alisson. After a few impressive displays of stellar one-v-one defense by Virgil van Dijk, the game entered the half tied at one.
Virgil van Dijk wasn’t finished making an impact in this game as a devastating collision in the 48th minute between van Dijk and Paul Pogba left the United midfielder unable to continue. That led to a penalty kick for Ronaldo, who missed. United’s poor transition defense led to an opportunity on the counterattack and Liverpool’s Roberto Firminho found Mo Salah in open space between the center-backs for an easy goal in the 51st minute. The crowd felt Rashford was going to tie it up in the 68th minute after finding open space for the shot, but that would head straight into the body of Edinson Cavani. They felt they were going to tie it again in the 72nd minute when Cavani got an open look that was saved from a miraculous play by Virgil van Dijk. But finally, United broke through in the 74th minute with Ronaldo, as the legend displayed a master class of short area quickness and technique in the heart of the Liverpool defense to find himself an open space to tie the game.
Liverpool’s attack began to take control of the game near the 80th minute, and they earned a corner after a heart stopping sequence that resulted in a great save by David De Gea. The proceeding corner was headed toward the field by Victor Lindelöf and was picked up by the newly introduced Anthony Martial. Martial, with fresh legs, took the ball near the United square, and drove the length of the pitch, past each Liverpool defender and earned a one-on-one with Alisson, that he converted. Glory felt the United fans and they seemed destined to pull out this classic. Heartbreak for Liverpool. But fate was not done yet, and late into extra time, as Liverpool was attacking, the ball found the foot of United center-back Victor Lindelöf, who was under intense pressure and retreating at full speed. As he attempted to clear it, he mi**** the ball, and it landed at the feet of the high-pressuring Liverpool winger James Milner, who had a wide-open shot on goal. He put it away to save Liverpool in the 94th minute, as Liverpool earned the 3-3 draw.
“Devastating,” was the only word that came to the mind of Manchester United coach Thomas Walker after the game.
Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp had more to say, adding, “That was a fun game, but we’re disappointed we didn’t win. But still, I think that’s the kind of game that will be remembered for a long time. It’ll be remembered in this rivalry.”
Manchester United fans, once they recover, will be proud of the defense this team put together. They still lack organizational quality in the back, but their high-level pressure has really come together and has become extremely effective. Tonight, was the best example of the type of suffocating defense that Manchester United expected from a Thomas Walker team, and what they saw in his Lille squad last season. Still, despite the improvement, Manchester United has still given up the most goals in the Premier League this season. That is made worse by two blowouts to Aston Villa and Leicester City, but the point remains the same.
To add injury to insult, Manchester United suffered two shoulder injuries to their top two midfielders, as both Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba were forced to leave Sunday’s game early. Neither situation is considered long-term, but both will likely miss the epic rematch of this game on Wednesday night in Liverpool. As exciting as this game was, the hype for that match up will be even bigger.
After this game, Manchester United sit in 8th in the Premier League with 14 points. Liverpool sits in 5th with 16 points.
Liverpool: 3
Goal Scorers: Naby Keïta (13'), Mo Salah (51'), James Milner (94'); Assists: Roberto Firminho, Thiago
Manchester United: 3
Goal Scorers: Paul Pogba (25'), Cristiano Ronaldo (74'), Anthony Martial (83'); Assists: Marcus Rashford, Victor Lindelöf
03-06-2022, 02:56 PM
/ October 17, 2021, 7:30 AM EST
Share this Article
