Few matches fire the blood like the derby, even more the case with more than just pride on the line. With second place up for grabs in a ill-fated chase of Manchester City, Liverpool headed to Old Trafford where they got fully Mourinhoed, losing 2-1.
Playing their fiercest rivals, Liverpool hoped to start swiftly. However, the moment may have surged too strongly in the early going, as the Reds looked out of sorts despite playing more like a home side. Their attacking aggression lacked the restraint to create a cutting-edge until well into the second half. Meanwhile, the actual home side looked ready for a fight from the start.
Liverpool labored to keep the ball in the attacking half and click at a quick enough pace. Too many players could not remain “cool in the right moments” as Jurgen Klopp is fond of saying. Couple that with calamitous errors on route one counter-attacks and the Reds dug themselves a hole that they could not climb. Then, luck left them wanting too. More moments missed.
Losing in the derby always lingers a little longer. Liverpool responded with a second half performance that should let everyone know this should be thought of as more of blip than a bomb. Winning at Old Trafford requires a little something extra. The Reds ran a bit short of that requirement on the day. It stings but this team is still being built and the future remains brighter still.
Here are four findings from the match.
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