Liverpool retook their place on top of the Premier League table with a dominating display. It may not have been the hammering home supporters hoped but a 3-1 win against rivals Manchester United at Anfield will always do nicely.
The maturity and patience shown by Liverpool began to reveal an absolute gulf in class between the clubs. The scoreline absolutely flattered the visiting side as the Reds outshot the Mancs a staggering 36-6. Liverpool set a siege against the manager most fond of instilling a siege mentality. Not only were the players on the pitch outclassed but Jose Mourinho also proved no match for Jurgen Klopp’s tactics.
This Liverpool side is evolving into something special.
The 24th-minute breakthrough was a reminder of the kind of poetry in motion goalscoring the Reds remain capable of delivering. Making time and space for himself by dropping slightly, Fabinho received the ball and lofted an exquisite chipped pass to Sadio Mane, who broke Untied’s back line with an inch-perfect run before taking it down with his chest and half-volleying past David de Gea.
Liverpool imposed themselves on United from start to finish. Only an unfortunate error by Alisson led to conceding a goal. The Brazilian keeper spilt a cross from Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard pounced to draw level. The equalizer caused the game to drift a little as the second half started.
Then Klopp changed the shape of the team, adding Xheridan Shaqiri. The Swiss attacker scored a brace at the Kop end, sending Anfield into a frenzy. It was the first time Klopp had topped United in the league since joining Liverpool.
Here are four findings from the match.
