The lack of faith in Manchester United’s chances at Anfield was perfectly summed up in Liverpool boss Arne Slott’s press conference ahead of Sunday’s 2-2 draw.
Incredibly, the first question facing the Dutchman was whether, with the visitors languishing in 14th place in Premier Leagueyou might consider resting key people.
However, the gap between these sides was just as wide last season, yet the Reds failed to win any of their three meetings.
As such, perhaps we should have seen A live game of the Red Devils is coming, and even more frustration for the hosts in the meeting with angry rivals.
A disciplined back three that defends well? Check. Pacey attack that deals counter damage? Check. And a disappointing result at Anfield? Check.
Even before Slott mentioned it in his post-match press conference, Liverpool fans could probably see the parallels with his only major defeat, which came against Nottingham Forest back in September.
Set up in the same way, United emulated Forest’s success by frustrating their hosts and hitting them in stoppage time throughout the 90 minutes.
However, there is some upside to falling into the same trap again for Sloto, which is that it comes just over a week before the second leg with Nuna Espirito Santo’s side, which will serve as an opportunity to show what lessons have actually been learned. time around.
After the loss, it’s all too easy to say that a personnel change could have profoundly affected the flow of the game.
But in the case of Dominik Szoboszlai’s absence on Sunday, it feels genuinely true.
The Hungarian was left out of the starting XI against Leicester City due to a well-earned rest, but was handed a one-match suspension against West Ham United after coming on as a substitute and then also missed this game due to illness.
Unfortunately, the United defeat was what he really said, s Liverpool they sorely miss the leader of their press and the man who constantly fills in the blanks with his matchless engine.
To make matters worse, his replacement Curtis Jones endured a mixed afternoon, allowing the visitors to gain an advantage in the center of the park throughout.
Of course, as much as this result feels like a defeat given United’s position and the rivalry between these two sides, Liverpool fans shouldn’t get too carried away with their misery.
The fact is that the Reds had better chances overall, and they could easily get all three points out of such an unforgettable performance.
Moreover, with Arsenal dropped points for the ninth time in 20 games so far this weekend, Sloto’s side remain in an enviable position at the top.
They are six points clear with a game in hand and are the main favorites for the title as a result, while the Gunners are yet to make it four wins in a row this term.
That means Liverpool have plenty of room to drop points here and there, even if they’d like to avoid it altogether.
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