Liverpool‘s 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday was a thrilling contest that provided plenty of talking points. Despite dominating much of the match, Liverpool found it difficult to break down United’s resilient defense and were forced to settle for a point. In what turned out to be a dramatic encounter at Anfield, the Reds were left frustrated, especially after taking the lead through Mohamed Salah’s penalty. However, the late equalizer from Amad Diallo for United meant that
aspirations of extending their lead at the top of the Premier League were put on hold for now.
While the result was disappointing for Liverpool, there were several key takeaways from the match that provide both challenges and hope for the remainder of the season. Here are three important lessons learned from the thrilling draw with their bitter rivals.
1. Three at the Back Is Not Easy to Break Down
United’s Defensive Setup Mirrors Nottingham Forest’s Success
One of the main reasons Liverpool struggled to break down Manchester United was their defensive setup. United deployed a three-man defense, which proved to be a tough nut for Liverpool to crack. This tactical approach bore a striking resemblance to the strategy used by Nottingham Forest earlier in the season, when they frustrated Liverpool in a 1-0 victory at Anfield.
Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest’s three-man defense and quick counter-attacks caused Liverpool all sorts of problems, and United appeared to learn from that encounter. Manchester United defended resolutely with a back three, making it difficult for Liverpool to break through. As much as the home side had the ball for large parts of the game, United showed great discipline and were well-organized, leaving Liverpool unable to unlock their defense consistently.
The situation was particularly frustrating for Liverpool’s attackers, who struggled to create clear-cut chances against the compact United defense. Despite Liverpool’s possession dominance, the Red Devils kept their shape and limited space in dangerous areas, forcing the hosts to settle for half-chances. This defensive setup was difficult for Liverpool to break down and reflected a similar problem they encountered against Forest.
The fact that United managed to exploit the space on the counterattack, with their pacey forwards looking dangerous whenever they transitioned forward, highlighted Liverpool’s vulnerability against teams who can defend in numbers and break quickly.
For Liverpool manager Arne Slot, the frustration of seeing his side fall into the same trap as they did against Forest was palpable. The game provided an opportunity to reflect on the tactical approach needed to deal with teams that set up in a deep, compact shape, especially when facing the upcoming rematch with Forest in a week’s time. Slot will no doubt look to tweak his side’s approach to avoid falling into the same pattern again.
2. Szoboszlai’s Absence Proved Costly in Midfield
Liverpool Missed Their Press Leader and Engine
One of the more glaring absences for Liverpool was that of Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian international has been one of the standout players for Liverpool this season, particularly for his work off the ball. Szoboszlai’s pressing intensity and tireless energy in midfield have been key to Liverpool’s high press and dominant midfield play. His absence on Sunday, due to illness, left a noticeable gap that Manchester United were able to exploit.
Szoboszlai’s replacement, Curtis Jones, struggled to fill the void left by the Hungarian. While Jones is an immensely talented player, he does not possess the same relentless work rate and pressing ability that Szoboszlai brings. As a result, Liverpool’s midfield was far less cohesive, and United were able to get on top in the central areas of the pitch.
With Szoboszlai in the lineup, Liverpool’s press is far more effective, and the team is better equipped to recover possession quickly and create opportunities higher up the pitch. Without him, Liverpool lacked that cutting edge and were often second-best in the midfield battle. United were able to dictate play in the center of the park, which allowed them to launch dangerous counterattacks.
Jones, while hardworking, was unable to match Szoboszlai’s level of influence on the game, and this gave United more space and time to operate in the middle of the field. Liverpool’s high press, which has been a hallmark of their season, was not as effective as usual. This shift in midfield control was one of the key factors in the match, and it was clear that Liverpool missed Szoboszlai’s dynamism and leadership.
Looking ahead, Slot will be hoping for Szoboszlai’s return to fitness as soon as possible. The Hungarian has quickly become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s midfield, and his presence is integral to the team’s success. The lessons learned from this match will certainly influence Liverpool’s approach in upcoming games, particularly when dealing with teams that are capable of dominating the midfield.
3. No Need to Panic: Liverpool Still in Control of Title Race
Reds Remain in Strong Position Despite Frustrating Draw
Despite the frustration of drawing with Manchester United, there is no need for Liverpool supporters to panic. The 2-2 draw, while disappointing, was not a catastrophic result. The Reds still find themselves in a very strong position in the Premier League title race. At the time of writing, Liverpool remain six points clear of second-place Arsenal, with a game in hand.
What’s more, Arsenal, despite showing some good form this season, have continued to drop points. They are yet to string together a consistent winning run, having already dropped points in nine of their 20 matches this season. This inconsistency has allowed Liverpool to extend their lead at the top, even though their own form has been a little patchy in recent weeks.
Liverpool should take heart from the fact that they were the better side for much of the match against United, creating more chances and dominating possession. If Mohamed Salah’s penalty had gone in without a deflection off Onana’s hand, Liverpool would likely have taken all three points. Instead, a last-minute equalizer from Amad Diallo ensured United earned a deserved point, but it was clear that Liverpool were still the more dominant side.
Furthermore, Slot’s team is still very much in control of their own destiny. Even if they drop points occasionally, their lead is sizable enough that they can afford a few setbacks. With a game in hand and the likes of Arsenal still struggling to find consistency, Liverpool are still the favourites to win the title. Slot’s side should not let this draw distract them from their long-term goals.
The title race is far from over, and Liverpool have plenty of opportunities to maintain their position at the top. The Reds’ attacking prowess and depth in their squad remain strong, and once they address the issues highlighted in this match—particularly breaking down defensive setups like United’s—they will remain a formidable force in the second half of the season.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United was a game of missed opportunities, but there are still plenty of positives to take from the encounter. While the performance highlighted some key issues—particularly in breaking down a three-man defense and coping without Dominik Szoboszlai—the Reds are still in an enviable position at the top of the Premier League.
For Arne Slot and his team, this result offers a valuable learning experience. The lessons from this game, combined with the chance to address weaknesses in upcoming matches, mean that Liverpool will remain strong contenders for the title. With a game in hand and a six-point lead, the Reds are in control, and they should not allow this frustrating draw to overshadow their strong position in the race for the Premier League crown.
While there is room for improvement, Liverpool’s overall performance and current standing suggest that they are well-equipped to maintain their title challenge. The road to the championship is long, and with key players like Szoboszlai returning to the fold, Liverpool can look ahead with confidence.
