3 Liverpool takeaways from enthralling draw with Man Utd | OneFootball

The lack of faith in Manchester United’s chances at Anfield was perfectly summed up by Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s press conference ahead of Sunday’s 2-2 draw.

Incredibly, the first question the Dutchman faced related to whether, with the visitors languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, he might consider resting key men.

However, the gap between these sides was just as big last season, and yet the Reds failed to win any of their three meetings.

As such, perhaps we should have seen the Red Devils’ spirited performance coming, and yet more frustration for the hosts when taking on their bitter rivals.

Three at the back isn't easy to break down, remember Forest

Martinez put United in front and was more solid in defence / Carl Recine/GettyImages

A disciplined back three defending well? Check. A pacey attack causing damage on the counter? Check. And a disappointing Anfield result? Check.

Even before Slot referenced it in his post-match press conference, Liverpool supporters could probably see the parallels with his sole defeat in charge, which came against Nottingham Forest back in September.

Set up in the same way, United mimicked Forest’s success in frustrating their hosts and hitting them on the break across the 90 minutes.

Still, there is any upside to falling into the same trap again for Slot, it is that it has come just over a week prior to a rematch with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, which will serve up an opportunity to show lessons have actually been learned this time around.

Szoboszlai a major miss in midfield

Szoboszlai's absence in midfield was hurt / Jan Kruger/GettyImages

After defeats, it is all too easy to suggest a change of personnel might have profoundly affected the course of the game.

But in the case of Dominik Szoboszlai’s absence on Sunday, it feels genuinely true.

The Hungarian was left out of the starting XI against Leicester City for a well-earned rest, but picked up a one-match suspension to serve against West Ham United after emerging as a substitute, and then went on to also miss this game through illness.

Unfortunately, it was against United that his loss truly told, with Liverpool badly missing the leader of their press, and a man who constantly plugs gaps with his unrivalled engine.

To make things worse, his replacement Curtis Jones endured a mixed afternoon, allowing the visitors to gain the upper hand in the centre of the park throughout.

No need to be down, Liverpool remain in the driving seat

Slot's Liverpool are still in the box seat / Alex Livesey - Danehouse/GettyImages

Of course, as much as this result will feel like a defeat given United’s position and the rivalry between these two sides, Liverpool fans should not get too carried away by misery.

The fact is, the Reds had the better chances overall, and could quite easily have come away from even a forgettable performance like this with all three points.

What’s more, with Arsenal having dropped points for a ninth occasion in 20 games thus far over the weekend, Slot’s side remain in an enviable position at the summit.

They are six points clear with a game in hand and major favourites for the title as a result, while the Gunners have yet to string four wins in a row together this term.

That means Liverpool have plenty of room to drop points here and there, even if they would love to avoid it completely.