Man Utd held Liverpool to a draw.

Despite 34 shots on goal, Liverpool failed to score as they drew 0-0 with Manchester United at home, thus losing their top spot in the Premier League after matchday 17.

No "massacre" occurred as many fans had predicted before the match. With many Liverpool players underperforming, Manchester United's deep defensive style proved effective. Despite being outplayed in midfield and at a disadvantage with early yellow cards for their defensive midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Sofyan Amrabat, the entire Manchester United team's defensive efforts were rewarded with a point.

Alexander-Arnold's shot went wide of the post while being closely marked by Raphael Varane. Photo: AFP

Neutral spectators expecting a spectacular match were likely disappointed. On Sky Sports , former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher exclaimed: "The game was incredibly boring." In fact, the home team had 34 shots throughout the match, the most in the Premier League this season, but only eight of them were on target and none posed much of a challenge to Andre Onana.

Erik Ten Hag may have planned for a 0-0 draw at Anfield. In theory, Man Utd fielded four defenders, but in reality, Amrabat often dropped deep to form a five-man defense. This prevented Liverpool from finding space to create chances, the only instances being Mohamed Salah's through ball to Darwin Nunez who moved towards the near post. But when the striker passed the ball back, there were no teammates to follow up. Jurgen Klopp used all four substitutions but couldn't make a difference.

Several Liverpool players were disappointing. Midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai were substituted in the 61st minute. But perhaps the worst performer was Nunez. The striker was offside three times and caused controversy in the first half. He pushed Jonny Evans down and then deliberately kicked the ball away when the referee penalized him. Nunez received a yellow card, but according to Guardian reporter Martin Lancon, he deserved a red card for two different fouls.

Mohamed Salah vies for the ball with Diogo Dalot during Liverpool's 0-0 draw against Manchester United on December 17th. Photo: Reuters

This assessment is justified considering the circumstances leading to Diogo Dalot's red card in the fourth minute of added time in the second half. The Portuguese defender received two consecutive yellow cards for protesting. This controversial decision by referee Michael Oliver angered Dalot, causing him to throw objects on his way to the tunnel.

Salah, the most anticipated player on the home team, didn't have many opportunities to showcase his skills. In the 16th minute, he rushed in to shoot after Onana fumbled the ball but failed to score. Towards the end of the first half, the Egyptian striker had space to shoot from outside the penalty area but his shot was too weak and easily saved by Onana. In the second half, Salah had two more shots from his preferred angles, but both times he couldn't beat Onana.

In a generally lackluster match, the period between the 60th and 70th minutes saw a rare moment of excitement. This was when Klopp took a risk by bringing on striker Cody Gakpo, while Trent Alexander-Arnold was moved up to play in midfield. Liverpool began to leave more gaps in the midfield, creating opportunities for Man Utd to counter-attack.

The visitors nearly caused their opponents to regret it. From Antony's pass, Scott McTominay set up Rasmus Hojlund, who raced down the wing and faced Alisson Becker. However, from a tight angle and with the ball landing on his weaker right foot, the Danish striker shot straight at Alisson, who had positioned himself well. He also missed the rebound. Shortly after, McTominay's shot went over the bar from outside the penalty area. But this opportunity gave Man Utd a bit more confidence.

Players from both teams clashed at the end of the match following a collision. Photo: Reuters

At the other end of the pitch, Liverpool also had reason to regret when Alexander-Arnold's long-range shot narrowly missed the post. The England defender was arguably the best player for the home side in this match. In the 76th minute, Nunez and Luis Diaz caused havoc in the Manchester United penalty area. However, Onana and Amrabat made crucial saves to clear the danger.

In the 85th minute, Liverpool believed they deserved a penalty after Luke Shaw handled the ball in the penalty area. However, VAR quickly determined that the Manchester United defender was not in an unusual position when the incident occurred. Therefore, referee Oliver allowed play to continue.

The draw meant Liverpool couldn't reclaim the top spot from Arsenal. They now have 38 points, level with Aston Villa but ahead on goal difference. Arsenal have 39 points after their 3-0 win against Brighton. Manchester United were overtaken by Newcastle for sixth place, but a point is still a success for Ten Hag's team.

Liverpool will face West Ham in the League Cup quarter-finals next week before hosting Arsenal in round 18. Manchester United will have a week's rest before their trip to West Ham.

Quang Huy

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