Liverpool showcases dominance with a stunning victory over Manchester United, continuing their perfect start to the season.
On Sunday, Liverpool manager Arne Slot aced his initial significant test by leading the team to a resounding 3-0 victory against Manchester United, with Luis Diaz securing two goals and Mohamed Salah adding one.
Slot faces the daunting challenge of following in Jurgen Klopp’s footsteps, yet has achieved a flawless beginning with three consecutive Premier League victories that position them at joint top spot alongside Manchester City.
After two successive losses, Erik ten Hag, the manager of United, is already feeling the heat just three games into the season.
Despite overseeing the club’s worst ever Premier League finish of eighth at the end of last season, the Dutchman managed to survive an internal review.
Ten Hag’s job was saved and a new beginning seemed possible following an unexpected victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, which was aided by a considerable transfer market investment of £200 million ($262 million).
The impressive visitors revealed all the indicators of United’s shortcomings from last season.
The home side blamed Casemiro as he was responsible for both goals scored by Diaz and consequently subbed off at halftime to make way for young talent Toby Collyer.
Before kick-off, United flaunted their recent £42 million acquisition Manuel Ugarte and are relying on the Uruguayan to significantly enhance the midfield.
In contrast, Liverpool refrained from seeking a defensive midfielder and Slot’s move of Ryan Gravenberch into that position has proven to be an astute decision.
During Klopp’s leadership, Liverpool has been dominant over United but he was only able to secure victory in two out of his 11 matches away against them.
Last season, despite their strong performance at Old Trafford, the Reds were unable to capitalize on their domination. In a thrilling FA Cup quarter-final match, United emerged victorious with a 4-3 scoreline and in another contest during the league competition they managed to grab a draw of 2-2 which realistically dashed Liverpool’s hopes for winning the title.
Liverpool displayed their ruthless side this time and had the potential to replicate their 5-0 triumph against United in 2021.
An early respite was granted to United as Diaz’s cross, deflected by Alexander-Arnold went in. However, the ball had been obstructed by Salah who stood offside while reaching towards the right-back position.
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After a difficult season, Casemiro seemed to have regained his former form in the initial matches of this campaign.
However, the player who has won the Champions League five times experienced another afternoon that indicated he may no longer be suitable for this level.
Gravenberch was quick to react when Casemiro’s careless pass went astray. He swiftly passed the ball to Salah who crossed it delicately for Diaz, finishing with a header at the back post.
Just moments later, an important save from Alisson Becker was needed by Liverpool to deflect Noussair Mazraoui’s strong low strike.
Ten Hag’s men suffered a collapse after the second goal was scored, which occurred just three minutes before half-time.
Diaz intercepted Casemiro in possession and swiftly advanced into the box to execute a finish from Salah’s cross.
On 56 minutes, Salah scored his usual goal against United to exacerbate the home team’s distress.
Dominik Szoboszlai provided an excellent delivery to the Egyptian, whose magnificent finish marked his 15th goal in just 16 encounters against the Red Devils. What’s more impressive is that he has scored at least once during each of his last seven appearances at Old Trafford.
Despite his team-mates begging for a pass, Salah missed an opportunity from close range and could have scored more.
Liverpool’s record of keeping a clean sheet under Slot was extended thanks to another brilliant save from Alisson, this time denying Joshua Zirkzee.
According to predictions, Arsenal is the team with the highest chance of replacing City as champions following four successive titles for Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Despite Klopp not being at the helm, Liverpool have done everything possible in the early weeks of the campaign to demonstrate that they remain contenders.
AFP
