First goal at Anfield since 2018 and Salah's record: Liverpool and Manchester United deliver a thrilling draw
Liam Carter
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
In the marquee clash of Premier League's Matchday 20, Liverpool hosted Manchester United at Anfield.
The teams approached this fierce rivalry from opposite ends of the table: Liverpool stood alone at the top, while United languished in the lower half.
Despite this, the first half was evenly contested, with both sides creating dangerous opportunities but failing to capitalize.
Early in the second half, United took the lead, scoring their first goal at Anfield since 2018. Lisandro Martinez found the back of the net to stun Alisson.
However, the home side responded with two quick strikes. Cody Gakpo leveled the score before Matthijs de Ligt’s handball in the penalty area gifted Liverpool a penalty. Mohamed Salah converted from the spot to put the Reds ahead.
The Egyptian now has 16 goals against Manchester United and boasts 18 goals and 13 assists in 19 Premier League games this season.
This tally of 31 goal contributions in 19 matches is the highest ever for a Premier League player at this stage of the season, surpassing Luis Suarez's 30 contributions (23 goals, 7 assists) in 2013–14.
United refused to back down and equalized through Amad Diallo, who scored off Alejandro Garnacho's assist.
Despite the draw, Liverpool strengthened their lead at the top of the table, while Ruben Amorim's struggling United climbed to 13th, ending their five-game winless run.
- Premier League, Matchday 20
Liverpool 2–2 Manchester United
Goals: Gakpo (59), Salah (70, penalty) – Martinez (52), Diallo (80)
