Wayne Rooney’s strike gave Man United an unlikely victory over a dominant Liverpool, with supporters enduring another frustrating 90 minutes.
Fresh from the last-minute jubilation of Wednesday night’s 3-3 draw with Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp steeled his side to take on United at Anfield, in one of the biggest games of the Premier League season so far.
It was United who stole the spoils however, with a single Rooney strike—against the run of play—giving Louis van Gaal’s side the victory.
Here’s how Twitter saw Liverpool’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to their fierce north-west rivals.
A highly anticipated clash, supporters approached Liverpool’s latest top-four test with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
Big performance needed here from #LFC, which is to say, big first 3 minutes needed. so far has always set tone for next 87.
— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) January 17, 2016
https://twitter.com/paul_tomkins/status/688711105796042752
Hate today's game with a passion. That said, no victory feels sweeter if you can pull it off.
COME ON YOU REDS! #LFC
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) January 17, 2016
Though the tempo was relatively measured in the opening stages, Lucas Leiva received vociferous support for a bullish challenge on Marouane Fellaini.
Fellaini……unlucky!
— Rory Greenfield (@RoryGreenfield) January 17, 2016
Yes Lucas!!!
— Floyd (@TheFNundy) January 17, 2016
Lucas ?
— Ana… (@Lamban_Ana) January 17, 2016
Liverpool’s first opportunities came from a pair of great passes from their Brazilians, but both Adam Lallana and James Milner were unable to make the most of Lucas and Roberto Firmino‘s creativity.
That was boss from Lucas.
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) January 17, 2016
Sumptuous ball by Lucas, that
— Ben McAleer (@BenMcAleer1) January 17, 2016
What a pass by Firmino there. Think Milner could've pulled back there and waited, but won't blame him for shooting.
— Leroy | LFC Impulse (@LFCImpulse) January 17, 2016
Now imagine what Firmino would do when flanked by two top class players. He certainly picked the right week to find his true form ?
— Rory Greenfield (@RoryGreenfield) January 17, 2016
With 30 minutes on the clock, it was all Liverpool, with some impressive passing from a fluid midfield unit giving Klopp’s side the advantage.
Rotation of Firmino, Lallana, Milner & Henderson impressive. Starting to look a cohesive unit with real understanding of Klopp's tactics
— Carl Markham (@carlmarkham) January 17, 2016
Firmino pulling the strings.
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) January 17, 2016
But with Liverpool dominant, a plethora of chances fell to Jordan Henderson—who consistently proved to be the wrong man for the job in front of goal.
Not exactly Luis Garcia against Juve from Hendo there.
— Joseph Cousins (@JCuzzy1) January 17, 2016
Jordan Henderson has had better games for Liverpool.#diplomacy
— Jim Boardman (@JimBoardman) January 17, 2016
The half ended at 0-0, despite the Reds’ strong attacking play and United’s listlessness, with supporters rueing Liverpool’s lack of cutting edge.
A lot of bad decisions, slow decisions, they all seem tired, in mind more than legs
— SimonBrundish (@SimonBrundish) January 17, 2016
Would love a midfielder who knew how to score.
— Matt Ladson (@mattladson) January 17, 2016
https://twitter.com/Chris78Williams/status/688736280058957825
With Liverpool unable to gain an advantage 30 minutes into the second half, questions turned towards the output of Klopp’s wingers.
Why is Milner diving in every single time?
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) January 17, 2016
https://twitter.com/Chris78Williams/status/688742806622437376
Are we the worse counter attacking team in the league?
— Joseph Cousins (@JCuzzy1) January 17, 2016
Rather predictably, United then went 1-0 up, with Wayne Rooney’s goal little surprise to those watching.
Liverpool concede from set piece shocker.
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) January 17, 2016
Rooney had all the time in the world….
— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) January 17, 2016
1st shot on goal
— SimonBrundish (@SimonBrundish) January 17, 2016
78 minutes for a set piece goal conceded. First shot on target. Horribly predictable. #lfc
— David Phillips (@lovefutebol) January 17, 2016
Bringing both Christian Benteke and Steven Caulker on in attack, Klopp looked to push for an equaliser, but Liverpool failed to repeat their heroics from midweek, and supporters were left deflated.
Being the better team for large chunks of games doesn't matter.
Moments decide football games, and Liverpool are mostly terrible at them.— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) January 17, 2016
Liverpool – a never-ending tale of bad set pieces and awful finishing.
— Colin Spreag (@ColinSpreag) January 17, 2016
https://twitter.com/Chris78Williams/status/688752082464169984
Imagine losing twice and conceding with every shot to this #mufc team. No top 4 this season and rightly so. #LFC
— Tom McMahon (@tomjpmac) January 17, 2016
A dreadful result against an appalling team that only underscores the need for a forward. #lfc
— David Phillips (@lovefutebol) January 17, 2016
We outplayed them in every single aspect and still managed to lose. It's the United we all remember.
— Luke (@LFCLuke95) January 17, 2016
What is Klopp meant to do with these donkeys
— Dinesh Kumar (@DHardayal) January 17, 2016
There was, however, a faint glimmer of positivity…
Oh well, at least LVG stays for longer I guess.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) January 17, 2016
LIVERPOOL 0-1 MAN UNTIED
MATCH REPORT: Listless Reds punished for lack of cutting edge
FAN REACTIONS: “No top four this season”
TACTICAL OVERVIEW: Attacking deficiency restricts Reds
PRESS CONFERENCE: Klopp dejected
PLAYER RATINGS: Sakho and Toure good, Lallana and Can not
Fan Comments