Battle of the two most successful clubs in English Football

The Red Devils Vs The Reds

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These two behemoths in English football locked horns this weekend with expectations set high by fans and various critics. Everyone was eager to see who claimed bragging rights as the wait was finally over. The Reds have been brilliant this season while the Red Devils have been struggling for consistency under the Norwegian boss. Since Jurgen Klopp's appointment, the team has been revamped and have indeed made a stride in the league.

He led them to a top 4 finish in his 1st full season and also to a European final in 2018 after they last played in 2007 against the Italian giants AC Milan. They were unsuccessful as they were defeated at the hands of Los Blancos. But, this has not stopped them from progressing as they went on to win the European cup the following season as well as finishing runners-up the same season and missing the title by a margin.

Now things are different as they have established a splendid lead and are sitting at the top of the table. Meanwhile, on the other hand, the Red Devils have been a laughing stock this campaign as various critics and fans have been calling out Ole's tactics pathetic and his failure to handle his players. Speculations say that the Norwegian will get sacked by the end of the campaign. It was interesting to see who got the best out of the match. Now, let us find out.

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Rivalry Insights:

These two teams do have a very good history. The Reds had last won the title in 1990 under Kenny Dalglish. Since then, they have failed to win the title for the past 29 years. On the other hand, The Red Devils had made use of the opportunity. They surpassed Liverpool's record of titles by winning 20 titles overall (13 titles under Sir Alex Ferguson). They also became the most successful English team to win trophies until The Reds claimed back that spot. 

The rivalry was indeed very intense when Rafa Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson managed these respective sides. The contest between these two teams has created memories to remember. Nobody would forget Torres scoring the winner in Old Trafford in 2009. The fixture though has generated controversy in 2011. Suarez was accused of hurling racial abuse towards Patrice Evra when the footage showed the Uruguyan striker made insulting remarks on the French defender. After that incident, Suarez refused to even shake hands in the reverse fixture in spite of Evra offering his hand. Eventually, they did shake hands in the following campaign. This fixture would also be notable when Gerrard was sent off in 38 seconds when he brought in the second half. His tackle on Herrera gave him a red card and proved to be his final encounter against them.

Now, things are very different as Liverpool has made fantastic progress in recent times. The Red Devils, on the other hand, have been deteriorating since Sir Alex Ferguson left the dugout in 2013. Only Jose Mourinho was the manager to win more trophies in the Red Devils dugout when he won the Community Shield, Europa League, and the League Cup. Previously Van Gaal guided them to an FA cup victory. But, that did not save his job as he was sacked. In spite of the changes, it is a rivalry that has always been excited.

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Line ups:

The Reds were unchanged from the side that beat Spurs in London, but Matip and Fabinho made their return to the bench after injury lay-offs.

The Red Devils on the hand made three changes to their that were victorious against Wolves in the FA cup. Romero, Mata, and Greenwood were named to the bench while De Gea, Shaw and Perreira made the starting line up.

Match Summary:

The match began with the Reds threatening to attack the visitors who were sitting back and trying to hold on. The Reds repeatedly targeted The Red Devils' vulnerability in air ball which proved to be a major factor for them. 

In the end, it was the Reds who claimed all three points against their rivals and extended their lead to 16 points and remaining unbeaten throughout the season. Now let us see the talking points.

Talking points from the match:

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1. The Reds Work rate:

Liverpool under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp has indeed been a fantastic team. The former Borussia Dortmund manager has been getting the best out of his players since his arrival in the premier league. Normally, teams tend to sit back after taking the lead. But, in this match after taking a lead instead of sitting back and defending the players are literally everywhere.

The Reds players were constantly pressing the visitors whenever they had the ball. It is hard to deny that the work rate of Liverpool players is very good. The front three of the Reds have also played a striking force when it comes to performing in matches. Roberto Firmino in spite of being a striker he has been receiving praise from former peers of the game for his outstanding play which has benefited the team.

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2. Liverpool's chances:

Within the early minutes of the game, Liverpool broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Virgil Van Dijk scored a header from a corner. The former Southampton defender and Ballon d Or runner up have been consistent throughout since his arrival in Anfield (not to forget his performances for the Saints). After breaking the deadlock, The Reds continued to mount pressure on Ole's team. Mane almost doubled the lead in the 25th minute when Firmino passed the ball which deflected Fred's leg that came to Mane only for Shaw to dispossess him. T

he drama was in the 26th minute when Firmino scored a brilliant curve to double the lead only for VAR to save the Red Devils. The replay showed that Van Dijk and De Gea went for the ball only for the Dutchman to make contact with the Spanish shot-stopper which was called a foul and the goal was disallowed. 

Firmino had another chance in the 29th minute when Liverpool attacked with full pace and Salah flicked a pass to the Brazilian only for him to miss inches from six yards. Liverpool had another goal ruled out in the 35th minute when Wijnaldum's calmly finished to score only for the linesman to give offside.

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3. Salah finally scores against Manchester United: 

The front three of the Reds have caused major trouble for the opposition in every season the premier league. But to everyone's surprise, the trio (Mane, Salah and Firmino) have a disappointing record against the Red Devils. Honestly to me, stats don't matter every time.

The only goal they had was when Mane scored against them last campaign. Finally, that was again repeated. The Egyptian scored against them for the first time. The climax was in the closing minutes of the game when Alisson delivered a superb ball to Salah who raced past James and smartly finished between the legs past De Gea. Game over Liverpool 2 - 0 Manchester United.

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Post Match thoughts: 

The Reds secured all 3 points thanks to Mo Salah's goal in the closing minutes of the game. As expected, the hosts broke the deadlock when Van Dijk scored a header from a set-piece past De Gea. From there Liverpool could have ended the game but squandered a lot of opportunities. Firmino and Wijnaldum's goals were ruled thanks to VAR and offside.

 United hardly responded but could have equalized through Perreira's desperate lunge at the back post. The second half again favored the host's side as they again failed to convert their chances. But United did improve in the second half. Martial wastefully blasted when a received a through ball and Greenwood almost connected across to equalize. But in the end, it was Klopp's men who claimed bragging rights and established a 30 points lead over the Red Devils.

Author,

Zaid