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Liverpool’s unbeaten home run came to an end on Sunday afternoon as they suffered a 2–1 defeat to Manchester United in a gripping Premier League clash at Anfield. Despite dominating large parts of the game and striking the woodwork three times, the Reds couldn’t turn their control into points. Cody Gakpo’s second-half equalizer gave hope, but Harry Maguire’s late header secured all three points for the visitors.
A Familiar Starting XI
Arne Slot kept faith with the same team that impressed against Chelsea before the international break. Giorgi Mamardashvili started in goal, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in central defense. Milos Kerkez and Conor Bradley took the full-back roles, while Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister made up the midfield trio.
Up front, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo flanked Alexander Isak in attack. The bench offered plenty of firepower, including Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz all of whom would later feature as Liverpool chased the game.
Early Blow as United Strike First
The game was barely two minutes old when Manchester United took the lead. A midfield collision left Mac Allister on the turf, and the visitors were quick to capitalize. Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo combined neatly before Diallo slipped a pass through to Bryan Mbeumo. The United forward didn’t hesitate, drilling a first-time shot past Mamardashvili to silence the Anfield crowd early on.
Liverpool responded immediately, pushing high up the pitch with Salah and Gakpo causing problems down the flanks. Van Dijk came close with a glancing header from a Salah free-kick, but it drifted just wide.
Moments later, Gakpo nearly produced the equalizer. He broke down the left, cut inside, and let fly with a fierce effort that cannoned off the post. It was an early sign that the Dutch forward was in the mood.
Mamardashvili Keeps Liverpool in It
As Liverpool pressed forward, the visitors looked dangerous on the break. Mbeumo almost grabbed his second when a loose ball found him in the box, but Mamardashvili raced out to smother it brilliantly. The Georgian keeper had to be alert again seconds later when Mason Mount tried his luck from distance, forcing him into another sharp save.
The Reds remained determined to find a way back. Gakpo’s cross deflected off a defender and clipped the inside of the post, leaving United’s goalkeeper Senne Lammens rooted. Salah then tested Lammens with a header at the back post, but the Belgian keeper parried it away. Just before the interval, Alexander Isak broke through the defense to meet a long ball from Konate, only for Lammens to block with his feet. Despite creating the better chances, Liverpool went into the break trailing 1–0.
Liverpool Come Out Firing
After halftime, Liverpool came out with renewed energy. The pressure was instant, and Gakpo once again rattled the woodwork his third time of the afternoon. It seemed luck was simply not on Liverpool’s side. Mac Allister then fired over from the edge of the box before Arne Slot made a triple change on the hour mark. Curtis Jones, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike entered the fray to freshen things up.
The changes made an immediate difference. Ekitike, playing on the left, cut inside and narrowly missed the target with a curling effort. Salah followed up with a half-volley that grazed the outside of the post. The momentum was firmly with Liverpool, but they needed a finishing touch.
Chiesa Sparks the Fightback
With 20 minutes left, Slot introduced Federico Chiesa to add more attacking spark. The Italian made an instant impression with his pace and direct play.
His energy soon paid off. In the 78th minute, after a sustained spell of pressure, Chiesa broke down the left and delivered a perfect low cross across the face of goal. Cody Gakpo was there to meet it, sliding home from close range to finally bring Liverpool level.
Anfield erupted. It was no more than Liverpool deserved after dominating much of the contest. The Reds pushed forward in search of a winner, feeding off the noise from the home crowd.
Maguire’s Late Heartbreak
Just as Liverpool looked most likely to complete their comeback, United struck again. With six minutes to play, Mbeumo’s shot deflected into the path of Fernandes on the left. The Portuguese midfielder lofted a cross into the area, and Harry Maguire rose highest to head the ball back across goal and into the bottom corner.
It was a cruel blow for Liverpool, who had fought back bravely. Maguire’s header left Mamardashvili with no chance, and United’s players celebrated wildly in front of their traveling fans.
Late Push Falls Short
Liverpool threw everything forward in the final minutes. Chiesa, Salah, and Wirtz all tried to find a way through the packed United defense, but clear chances were hard to come by. Salah’s cross in stoppage time flashed dangerously across the face of goal, yet no one was there to tap it in.
When the final whistle blew, frustration filled the air. Liverpool had created enough chances to win two games, but United’s clinical finishing and disciplined defending made the difference.
Gakpo’s Bright Display a Silver Lining
Despite the loss, Cody Gakpo’s performance stood out. The Dutch forward was a constant menace for United’s defense, striking the woodwork three times before eventually scoring. His energy, movement, and persistence kept Liverpool in the game and showed why Slot continues to trust him in big moments.
Chiesa’s cameo also deserves credit. His assist for Gakpo’s equalizer was the product of sharp decision-making and composure under pressure. With more minutes, he could play a vital role in the coming fixtures.
What It Means
The defeat halts Liverpool’s momentum as they look to stay in touch with the top of the Premier League table. While the performance showed plenty of attacking intent, the lack of finishing and defensive lapses proved costly.
Arne Slot will take positives from the team’s fighting spirit and creativity, but he’ll know his side must be more ruthless in both boxes. The Reds’ next challenge offers a quick chance to respond, and Anfield will expect nothing less than a strong reaction.
Conclusion
Football can be cruel, and Sunday’s game was a reminder of that. Liverpool dominated possession, created the better chances, and showed resilience after falling behind early. But sometimes, the margins are fine a few inches here or there off the post, and the story could have been very different.
For Manchester United, it was a statement win built on efficiency and timing. For Liverpool, it’s a lesson in taking opportunities and maintaining focus until the final whistle.
Despite the disappointment, the signs of progress under Arne Slot remain clear. The style of play, the hunger, and the belief are all there. With a bit more luck and sharper finishing, results like this one will soon swing back in Liverpool’s favor.
Full-Time: Liverpool 1–2 Manchester United
Goals: Gakpo (78’) | Mbeumo (2’), Maguire (84’)
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com