Premier League: Salah penalty goal helps Liverpool for draw against Man United

Liverpool, Jan 6, 2025: Manchester United showcased a resilience and fighting spirit under new manager Ruben Amorim that had been noticeably absent in previous matches. This spirit was on full display as they earned a hard-fought point against Premier League leaders Liverpool. The Red Devils were desperate to avoid suffering four consecutive league defeats, something they had not experienced since 1979. They stunned the home crowd when they took the lead in the 52nd minute through a powerful finish from Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine defender was in the right place at the right time to capitalize on a rebound, and he hammered the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, sending United fans into raptures. However, Liverpool was quick to respond and restore parity just seven minutes later. The equalizer came courtesy of Cody Gakpo, who scored with a sensational angled strike. Gakpo’s powerful shot left United goalkeeper David de Gea with little chance, finding the top corner of the net. His effort seemed to shift the momentum back in favor of the home side. Just when United looked like they had done enough to earn a valuable point, Liverpool was awarded a penalty in the 70th minute, and the mood in the stadium began to shift dramatically. A handball decision against United’s Matthijs de Ligt was given after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. The incident took place inside the United penalty area, and the referee pointed to the spot, much to the frustration of the away team. Mohamed Salah stepped up to take the resulting penalty. The Egyptian forward calmly slotted the ball past De Gea, equaling Thierry Henry’s record of 175 Premier League goals. Salah’s strike gave Liverpool a 2-1 lead, and it seemed like United’s hopes of avoiding defeat were all but dashed. For a brief moment, the match seemed to be slipping away from Amorim’s side, and Liverpool appeared to be on the brink of securing another vital three points in their bid for the title. Despite the setback, Manchester United refused to give up. They showed remarkable determination and took the game back to Liverpool. With just 10 minutes left on the clock, Amad Diallo once again proved to be a key figure in United’s attack, as he netted a crucial goal to level the score at 2-2. Diallo had previously scored the decisive goal in United’s victory over Manchester City, and he once again delivered when it mattered most. The goal came from a well-timed pass from Alejandro Garnacho, who cut the ball back into the box for Diallo. The Ivorian winger calmly slotted the ball home, bringing United back into the game and ensuring that they would leave Anfield with a share of the spoils. The goal was a testament to United’s resilience and the belief instilled by Amorim, who was determined to prevent his team from suffering another defeat. With the final whistle fast approaching, United had a chance to snatch all three points from Liverpool in the dying seconds of the match. A cross from Joshua Zirkzee found Harry Maguire, who had surged into the box in search of a late winner. Maguire’s opportunity came in the form of a close-range shot from 12 yards, but the United captain blasted the ball over the bar, much to his own frustration. It was a missed opportunity, but it did not overshadow the determination United had shown throughout the match. The 2-2 draw at Anfield was an impressive result for Manchester United, considering the difficult circumstances they had faced. The team had shown grit and character, coming from behind twice to ensure they did not suffer their fourth consecutive league defeat. Despite the missed opportunity at the end, United’s performance would give them confidence going forward as they look to regain their form under Amorim’s leadership. For Liverpool, it was a frustrating outcome. They had been on the verge of extending their lead at the top of the Premier League but were unable to hold on to their 2-1 advantage. Jurgen Klopp’s side will need to regroup and address the defensive lapses that allowed United to come back into the game. Overall, the match provided a thrilling spectacle for fans and neutrals alike, with both teams showing moments of brilliance and determination. It was a result that will have implications for both sides as they continue their respective campaigns. United will take heart from their fightback, while Liverpool will need to learn from the mistakes that allowed their lead to slip away.