Jürgen Klopp just saw biggest Mohamed Salah worry and it could get even worse for Liverpool
Mohamed Salah was one of players who misfired against Manchester United, but things could be about to get even worse unless Liverpool’s forwards turn things around.
No matter how badly they’re playing, Liverpool will score. Right?
That feels like that’s been the mantra for the last few games. Although the Reds haven’t been convincing, they’ve still managed to squeeze out results, enough to take them to the top of the table.
That couldn’t continue though, and against Manchester United, the goals dried up spectacularly. There was a feeling that the game could have gone on for another 90 minutes and Liverpool still wouldn’t have found a way through.
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You can usually rely on Mohamed Salah to come up with something, especially against United, but like so many of his teammates, this was a real off day for the Egyptian. And unfortunately, none of his fellow forwards seem particularly willing to pick up the mantle recently.
Recent results have perhaps masked what has been a very worrying run for Liverpool’s attacking options. Salah aside, the Reds’ forwards have been responsible for just four goals in the last 10 Premier League outings (as per Joel Rabinowitz).
Given the firepower Liverpool has at its disposal, it’s a scarcely believable stat. What’s even more concerning though is two of those four goals came from Diogo Jota, who has been missing since the 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
Luis Díaz’s last goal came in the 1-1 draw at Luton, while you have to go all the way back to the win over Nottingham Forest for the last time Darwin Núñez struck in the league. Nearly two months have passed since then.
Liverpool’s biggest strength then almost looks to have become its greatest weakness. Against United, the forwards looked completely out of ideas, and even the introduction of Cody Gakpo did nothing to turn their fortunes around.
It says everything that, even with his side trying to get a goal, Jürgen Klopp took both Díaz and Núñez off for Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott. The latter currently looks more of a safe bet to score than some of those ahead of him on the pitch.
And having Díaz, Núñez and Gakpo misfiring as badly as are at the moment is not a good sign for next month. With Salah heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, Liverpool will soon become heavily reliant on those three, plus Jota, who looks to be heading back to fitness.
Liverpool desperately needs to find its shooting boots again before then. Its hopes of a title challenge could well rest upon it.
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Liverpool player ratings vs Man Utd: two score 8/10 but ‘completely anonymous’ 4/10 in 0-0 draw – gallery
Liverpool player ratings and scores from the 0-0 draw against Man Utd in the Premier League at Anfield.
Liverpool missed out on moving back to the summit of the Premier League as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw against Manchester United at Anfield.
The Reds dominated the game but struggled to muster enough gilt-edged opportunities throughout the encounter. Despite having 34 shots on goal, Jurgen Klopp’s men lacked cutting edge and means they’re now a point behind Arsenal in the title race.
Liverpool were on front foot for much of the first half yet did not have a killer instinct. In the 28th minute, United keeper was forced into his first save when he pushed Virgil van Dijk’s header over the crossbar. Eight minutes later, a Ryan Gravenberch volley that appeared to be on target was deflected wide for a corner – and Ibrahima Konate nodded above the bar when unmarked.
The Reds continued to be frustrated in the second period. Trent Alexander-Arnold hit the side netting two minutes after the restart before Mo Salah’s shot from outside the area was easily held by Onana. In the 66th minute, Liverpool must have thought they’d taken the lead when Alexander-Arnold latched onto Salah’s pass but his effort flashed just past the post with Onana rooted to his spot.
Moments later, Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker was finally forced into action as he kept out Rasmus Hojlund. The game started to become more of an open affair with Onana parrying a Salah effort to safety on 70 minutes.
With 14 minutes remaining, the Reds thought they were in with a shot for a penalty after Luis Diaz was brought down by Sofyan Amrabat after having a shot on goal, but the appeal wasn’t entertained by referee Michael Oliver. In stoppage-time, substitute Cody Gakpo missed a good chance to earn Liverpool a late winner. And while Diogo Dalot was sent off in the dying embers for a second yellow card, the Reds could not take advantage and had to share the spoils – and as a consequence are now second in the Premier League.
Here’s how we rated the Liverpool players.
1. Liverpool player ratings vs Man Utd.
Liverpool player ratings vs Man Utd.
2. Alisson Becker – 7
Didn’t have a shot to save until the 67th minute when he thwarted Hojlund. Also blocked Rashford cross in the closing stages.
3. Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
Defensively sound in the first half but was loose on the ball. Made a fine tackle on Garnacho in the second half before and got into better positions, flashing an effort narrowly wide.
4. Ibrahima Konate – 8
Solid in the first half but should have done better when he headed over the bar from a corner. Comfortable in the second period and had an effort on goal that was held by Onana.
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