Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United: 5 Talking Points as entertaining second half sees the spoils shared | Premier League 2024-25

A thrilling affair came to life in the second half as Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw by Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, January 5.

Heading into the game, Arne Slot made a solitary change from the side that enjoyed a big win over West Ham United last week. An injury to Joe Gomez was compensated by the return of Ibrahima Konate to the starting lineup.

United, meanwhile, welcomed the return of Bruno Fernandes from suspension. The club captain, along with Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo, came in for Joshua Zirkzee, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen.

The first half went as expected, with Liverpool enjoying dominance on the ball but were unable to break the deadlock. Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister came close, but Manchester United were also getting opportunities on the break. Amad Diallo could not direct a header towards goal while Rasmus Hojlund forced Alisson into a sharp stop as the half ended 0-0.

The game exploded into life in the second period, with the visitors taking an unlikely lead. After being played through by Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez stepped into the box and unleashed a powerful effort past Alisson to open the scoring in the 52nd minute.

Manchester United's lead lasted just seven minutes, however, as Gakpo scored for the hosts. The Dutchman cut in from the left and found the roof of the net with a great effort to level the tie.

Liverpool surged ahead in search of an equaliser and eventually got it from their talisman, Mohamed Salah. VAR gave them a penalty after Matthijs de Ligt handled the ball in the box and the in-form Egyptian made no mistake from the spot to make it 2-1 in the 70th minute.

However, there was a final twist in the tale as United managed to peg the league leaders back. Alejandro Garnacho dribbled down the left and found Amad Diallo with a cutback and the attacker fired home, making it 2-2 after 80 minutes.

The result sees Manchester United cut their three-game losing run, but they still remain in the bottom half. Liverpool, meanwhile, have had their lead cut to six points at the top but they still have a game in hand. Here are the top talking points:

Manchester United vs Liverpool Talking Points

#5. A better showing in midfield helps the visitors

Much of Manchester United's loss last week against Newcastle United was put down to the ageing midfield duo of Casemiro and Eriksen having a tough time. Ruben Amorim switched the pair for Mainoo and Ugarte, who put in a much better performance against the league leaders.

#4. Liverpool show champions mentality once again

Arne Slot's side came back from a goal down once again, meaning the side have collected 13 points from losing positions this season (second behind Manchester City with 14). The figure is a testament to the Reds' strong mentality to remain in games.

#3. Mo Salah does it again

The Egyptian star continued his brilliant campaign for the Reds, adding another goal to his tally from the spot. He had some lively moments down the right, finishing with four shots, two chances created and nine touches in United's box.

#2. Manchester United continue to impress under Amorim in big games

Heading into the fixture, many expected the visitors to surrender to the high-flying league leaders, with the Red Devils enduring a terrible run of form. However, similar to their win over Manchester City, they stuck to their game-plan, defended well, and attacked smartly on the counter to end up with a well-deserved point.

#1. Liverpool still comfortable at top but are there doubts?

The Reds have enjoyed a fantastic campaign and are comfortably on top of the Premier League. However, after trailing in only four of their first 13 games, Liverpool have now trailed in four of their last six. It could pose some problems down the line as they have seen their lead at the top get cut down steadily.