Player Ratings as Liverpool and United Share Points in Anfield Showdown | OneFootball

Liverpool 2 – 2 Manchester United Premier League Player Ratings

The Premier League New Year’s schedule brought perhaps the biggest encounter on the fixture list, as snow threatened Anfield played host to Liverpool Football Club versus Manchester United.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 7.0

The world-class Brazilian was alert to stop United from going ahead in the first half with some clinical work between the sticks.

After the restart, the former Roma man was let down by his defensive group as the visitors took the lead early in the second half. The second goal conceded was much the same as he was set upon from close range.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 2.0

The England superstar started without much tenacity and seemed well off the pace as his flank was targeted continually.

In the second half, the vice-captain was again lethargic and unable to cope with any close threat as his lazy work led to the first goal and did not help with the second.

Subbed – 83 mins

Andy Robertson – 5.0

The Scotland international skipper was poor for much of the first half as he struggled to cope with the pace that was attacking his zone.

After the halftime break, the 30-year-old was weak in much of his defensive work as he struggled to stop the shot for the second United goal.

Ibrahima Konaté – 7.0

The France international defender was recalled immediately after his return from an injury and his physical attributes were needed against a resurgent Manchester United attack.

Following the break, the towering centre-back was vital in getting his body in the way of attacks as he showed his importance to his team.

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0

The captain and leader of this team was the standout player when others around him struggled desperately to reach the required levels. His commanding presence and ability to clear his lines were vital in a hard-fought first half.

In the second period of the game, the former Celtic man was again let down by those around him, however, his commitment to get a point for his team was evident throughout.

Man of the Match

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0

The Duch midfielder was sporadic in his work with the good moments being balanced out by the less-so-good.

After the break, the former Ajax prodigy was more energetic as he covered huge amounts of ground on a difficult playing surface.

Curtis Jones – 6.0

The former England under-21 captain was too ineffective in the opening stages as he was outworked and outmanoeuvred by the opposition on a few occasions.

In the second 45 minutes, the former academy graduate was taken off as the Reds looked to increase their potency.

Subbed – 60 mins

Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0

The Argentina World Cup World Cup winner was good in his work and tried to control the Liverpool patterns of play as his team’s best-performing midfielder.

In the second half of this game, the former Brighton man was hardworking and showed guile to drive his teammates back into the game.

Luis Díaz – 6.0

The Columbian attacker started as the false nine and struggled to impose his game against a raft of outnumbering opponents.

After the restart, the former Porto man was always an option and strived to make something happen before departing the field.

Photo: IMAGO

Cody Gakpo – 7.0

The Dutch forward started on the left of an attacking front three with a remit to drive across the defensive line.

After the halftime break, the former PSV man was the man to bring the scores level with a fantastic goal.

Subbed – 85 mins

Mohamed Salah – 7.0

The Egyptian King was restricted through a difficult first period as half chances came and went in a rain-soaked opening 45 minutes.

After the intermission, the record-breaking goalscorer was more effective and even more important with his well-taken penalty.

Substitutions;

Darwin Núñez – 6.0 (on 60)

Came on to add power.

Diogo Jota – 6.0 (on 60)

Came on to add a more clinical edge.

Conor Bradley – 8.0 (on 85)

Came on to drastically improve the right-back spot.

Harvey Elliott – 6.0 (on 85)

Came on to add desire.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 6.0

The Dutch manager was keen to get his strongest eleven onto the pitch and immediately recalled the giant frame of Ibrahima Konaté. Dominik Szoboszlai was held back after his recent one-game suspension, allowing Curtis Jones to retain his position in midfield.

All the substitutions were reactive and he should have taken out Trent Alexander Arnold earlier in the game.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 0 Manchester United