Detained By Liverpool's Draw, MU Remains At The Top Of The Standings

Liverpool vs Manchester United (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Manchester United remain in the top position of the Premier League standings after a 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield Stadium, Monday morning WIB.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team made better chances in a match which was strangely slow between the two Premier League rival teams, but Liverpool dominated possession throughout the game.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker thumped well against goals from Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba in the second half, but both sides deservedly ended in a draw.

United remain three points ahead of Liverpool who are fourth after being overtaken by Manchester City and Leicester City.

United top the Premier League standings on New Year's Day for the first time since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 thanks to the nine wins they recorded in their last 12 unbeaten matches.

We take the point, move on and focus on Wednesday night 👊🔴 #MUFC # ️⃣ # LIVMUN🏆 #PL pic.twitter.com/qWFF6JOMdz

- Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2021

Leaving Anfield on a point was a solid result for United as they seek their first league title in eight years.

But they may feel they have missed an opportunity to add further pressure to the reigning champions, who have been hit by an injury crisis amid the difficulties they have faced recently.

This is the first time the two teams have clashed together in the league title race since 2009 when United, at their peak, stifled a Liverpool challenge.

But their meeting this time was not as shocking as it usually is considering the two teams competed at the empty and quiet Anfield Stadium.

Liverpool seem to have experienced a decline in the dynamic performance they displayed when they won the league title last season and when they won the Champions League in 2019.

Juergen Klopp's team have now gone through four league games without a win and without scoring a goal in their last three league outings.

Liverpool defender Joel Matip was not fit enough to appear so Jordan Henderson was forced to be installed as a temporary center-back alongside fellow midfielder Fabinho.

Despite the decline, Liverpool dominated the first half with more than 65 percent possession of the ball.

They lost their sharpness in the final third of the pitch as Roberto Firmino's shot went wide of the net, before Mohamed Salah volleyed over the bar.

It took 34 minutes for United to have an attempted goal and they came close to scoring when Bruno Fernandes' free-kick went wide inches from the post.

In a second half that was just as intense as the first, Fernandes forced Alisson into a brilliant save when his effort to pass Luke Shaw's cross was countered by the Brazilian goalkeeper's feet.

On the other hand, Thiago Alcantara fired a shot that was right at David De Gea.

Alisson made another brilliant save to ward off Paul Pogba's close range shot.

🎥 Match highlights from Sunday's #LIVMUN encounter ... pic.twitter.com/yxIlJF15bW

- Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 17, 2021