Leading the table again
Total dominance leads to total frustration at Klopp’s Liverpool
December 17, 2023, 8:51 p.m
In the Premier League, Liverpool have to give up their lead after a 0-0 draw against Manchester United. All the data shows the total dominance of Jürgen Klopp’s team. But at the end of an intense game, the frustration with the result prevails.
Liverpool FC are already out of the lead in the Premier League. After a 0-0 draw against Manchester United, Arsenal passed them. The Gunners are once again in command of the best league in the world, thanks in part to a goal from national player Kai Havertz. For Jürgen Klopp’s team, however, there was little to celebrate. Last season, Liverpool sent the Red Devils from Manchester on their short journey home with a 7-0 win.
Liverpool were the superior team in the intense game against their ailing arch-rivals and created many chances. But Man United, who were eliminated from the Champions League as bottom of their group after a 0-1 loss to FC Bayern during the week, avoided falling behind with a strong defensive performance and even had a few opportunities themselves in the final phase.
“I saw a lot of good things,” said Klopp after the game: “But there’s one thing I don’t like: the result. We should have scored a goal. We had so many chances and should have had many more. But we were closed hastily.” Nevertheless, the former Mainz coach was satisfied. “I can’t remember a more dominant game against United, even at 7-0 they were more in the game.”
“It’s so frustrating”
In stoppage time, United’s Diego Dalot (90+4) saw a yellow-red card. But Liverpool were no longer able to capitalize on the extra seconds. For the first time this season, Liverpool failed to win a home game. Of all places, at the opening of the new Anfield Road stand. This increases the capacity to 57,000 spectators.
But they didn’t see any goals, just running Reds. “We want to win every game and that’s why it’s so frustrating,” said captain Virgil van Dijk on Sky. “We didn’t make the right decisions. Now we’re moving on. But it’s so frustrating because we were really superior in all areas. In the end they’re happy and we’re very disappointed.” The Dutchman was confirmed on the statistics sheet: there were 34:6 shots on goal, 12:0 corners and 69 percent ball possession for Klopp’s team.
Even before the Northwest Derby, there were tumults: United’s team bus was thrown with objects and a window was broken. Liverpool condemned the attack on the bus.
City is already stumbling on Saturday
Meanwhile, Arsenal deservedly won 2-0 (0-0) against Brighton & Hove Albion. The Londoners (39 points) overtook Klopp’s team. Aston Villa, who came from behind to win 2-1 (0-1) at Brentford FC, are third, level with Liverpool on 38 points.
The Brazilian Gabriel Jesus (53rd minute) gave Arsenal the lead. The in-form Havertz (87th) made the decision. The hosts were the better team from the start and could have won even more, but missed many opportunities. Brighton, on the other hand, had largely no chance at the Emirates Stadium and only recorded their first and only shot on goal after more than an hour.
Fourth-placed Manchester City, who lost a two-goal lead in the 2-2 (1-0) win against Crystal Palace on Saturday, are now four points behind Liverpool and Aston Villa and five behind leaders Arsenal.