Liverpool failed to record a record-equalling 18th straight Premier League win, but Adam Lallana’s late equalizer saved the European champions from a shock defeat at Manchester United in a 1-1 draw on Sunday. Marcus Rashford’s controversial goal handed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s struggling Red Devils a 1-0 half-time lead, but they could not hold out for a much-needed victory as they left substitute Lallana unmarked at the back post to level with five minutes to play.
Liverpool move 6 points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, but will still feel this was a missed opportunity to inflict more pain on a United side sitting 13th in the Premier League, just two points off the relegation zone.
The two most successful sides in English football could not have come into the game in more contrasting form.
However, United answered Solskjaer’s calls to rise to the occasion.
Liverpool were without Mohamed Salah through injury and the Egyptian’s pace and trickery was badly missed.
The visitors were able to welcome back goalkeeper Alisson Becker for the first time in two months after a calf injury, but the Brazilian was rarely tested as United were happy to sit back and counter-attack.
Solskjaer changed his formation to a 3-5-2 in an attempt to limit Liverpool’s flying full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson and it was largely effective as the hosts restricted the league leaders to precious few chances.
Liverpool’s best opening before the break came when Sadio Mane finally found some space to counter-attack, but from his cut-back Roberto Firmino fired too close to David de Gea.
United had not scored in their two previous matches prior to the international break, but finally produced a moment of quality going forward to take the lead, even if fortune was also on their side for the goal to stand.
Victor Lindelof looked to have upended Divock Origi on halfway, but no foul was given by Martin Atkinson and as United broke forward, Daniel James’s cross perfectly picked out Rashford to prod past Alisson.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was furious on the touchline even before a VAR review failed to overturn the decision.
The visitors’ frustration only grew moments later when Mane outmuscled Lindelof to turn in what he thought was an equalizer, only for VAR to this time rule the goal out for a handball by the Senegalese.
Klopp sprinted down the touchline at the half-time whistle, but was unable to change the pattern of the game after the interval as Liverpool continued to dominate possession without creating many chances.
Manchester United end Liverpool’s winning run in 1-1 draw
Manchester United end Liverpool’s winning run in 1-1 draw
- Adam Lallana’s late equalizer saves the European champions from a shock defeat
Aston Villa beat Newcastle to stay in title hunt, Chelsea climb into top four
- Newcastle were shorn of inspiration without injured captain Bruno Guimaraes
- Newcastle slip to ninth but still only three points outside the top five
LONDON: Aston Villa closed to within four points of the Premier League summit with an impressive 2-0 win at Newcastle, while Chelsea climbed into the top four on Sunday.
Leaders Arsenal can stretch their advantage over Villa and Manchester City back to seven points when they host Manchester United later.
But Villa bounced back from a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Everton last weekend to remain on the fringes of the title race.
Emi Buendia put Unai Emery’s men on course for their first win at St. James’ Park since 2005 with a brilliant strike from outside the box on 19 minutes.
Newcastle were shorn of inspiration without injured captain Bruno Guimaraes in a damaging defeat for their chances of Champions League qualification.
Ollie Watkins set the seal on Villa’s victory when the England international headed in Lucas Digne’s cross two minutes from time.
Newcastle slip to ninth but still only three points outside the top five, which will likely be enough for a place in the Champions League.
Even if Villa fall short on a first league title since 1981, they are well on course for a return to Europe’s elite competition with an 11-point advantage over sixth-placed Manchester United.
Chelsea piled more pain on Crystal Palace with a 3-1 win at Selhurst Park.
Oliver Glasner promised to do his best to turn around a miserable run for the Eagles despite announcing he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The Austrian was furious at the manner club captain Marc Guehi was allowed to depart for Manchester City earlier this week and could also lose star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta before the transfer window closes.
Mateta wasted Palace’s best chance of a bright opening when he fired straight at Robert Sanchez.
But the home side never recovered after a wayward backpass from Jaydee Canvot freed Estevao to sprint clear and fire in Chelsea’s opener on 34 minutes.
The Brazilian then set up compatriot Joao Pedro to gallop in behind the Palace defense and double the Blues’ advantage just after half-time.
Enzo Fernandez’s penalty rounded off a fourth win in five games for Liam Rosenior since he took charge at Stamford Bridge.
Palace’s misery was compounded when England international Adam Wharton was sent off for two bookable offenses.
After 11 games without a win, the Eagles are now looking over their shoulder, just eight points above the relegation zone.
Nottingham Forest gave their survival chances a huge boost by inflicting just a second home defeat of the season on Brentford.
West Ham’s victory over Sunderland on Saturday piled the pressure on Sean Dyche’s men.
But they responded to move five points clear of the drop zone with a 2-0 win in west London thanks to goals from Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi.
