Old Trafford just gave us another Premier League classic.
Manchester United and Liverpool faced off this Sunday in what was the most anticipated Premier League match of the weekend.
League-leaders Liverpool came into the matchup trying to maintain their lead above Arsenal and Manchester City in title race, having only two points of advantage over the Gunners and three over the Citizens. And they were able to execute the plan right away.
The visitors made their mark fairly early in the game, with Luis Díaz putting the cherry-on-top to a beautifully-flicked header by Darwin Nuñez coming from a corner kick.
LUIS DIAZ GIVES LIVERPOOL THE LEAD ‼️
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 7, 2024
The Colombian claimed first blood.
Liverpool maintained a clear dominance in the 45 minutes, getting a total of 12 shots and four shots on target.
Bruno Fernandes half field goal vs. Liverpool
In the second half and just five minutes after the match had resumed, an incredible error on defense from Liverpool youngster Jarell Quansah gave Bruno Fernandes the opportunity to bring United back into the game from the middle of the pitch. The Portuguese sliced the ball over Caoimhin Kelleher to put things level.
UNBELIEVABLE. BRUNO FERNANDES EQUALIZES WITH LONG-DISTANCE STRIKE. pic.twitter.com/OVRLIn1RVH
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 7, 2024
What a goal from the United captain.
Kobbie Mainoo goal vs. Liverpool
17 minutes later and with the home fans pushing the Red Devils’ for the win, 18-year-old sensation Kobbie Mainoo received the ball at the edge of the box and hit a perfect 180 strike to put United ahead with a goal for the ages. Upper 90 curler from the teenager.
KOBBIE MAINOO SCORES AN ABSOLUTE BEAUTY.
MAN UNITED LEAD LIVERPOOL 2-1! #MUNLIV pic.twitter.com/AXy9PX57vW— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 7, 2024
This is Mainoo’s first-ever goal for Manchester United at Old Trafford and his third goal of the season.
The Theatre of Dreams was buzzing and United were closing in on an important victory that was to knock their rivals off the top of the table... that was until their Liverpool kryptonite showed up.
in the 81st minute, a clumsy tackle from Aaron Wan-Bisska on Harvey Elite inside the box awarded the visitors a late penalty, with Mohamed Salad calmly hitting the back of the net from the spot to seal the draw.
PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka's clumsy tackle on Harvey Elliott allows Mohamed Salah to level it at 2-2 from the spot! pic.twitter.com/aWEouTIrrB— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 7, 2024
This is Sarah’s 14th goal scored against Manchester United and his 10th goal scored against the Red Devils in their last seven Premier League matches.
This result knocks Liverpool down to second place in the league table, tying Arsenal with 71 points but behind on goal difference. Manchester City tread third with 70 points.
Manchester United stay in sixth place with 49 points, eight points behind fifth-placed Tottenham.