It was an unforgettable day for Liverpool and Manchester United fans as Liverpool recorded their biggest-ever victory against their traditional rivals.
Liverpool secured an emphatic 7-0 win against United in a must-see game at Anfield. The club’s remarkable victory put them firmly on course for Champions League qualification.
Liverpool’s Superb Performance
A Sunday well spent ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YDoNwS9B9h
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 5, 2023
United had controlled much of the first half and wasted good chances before Cody Gakpo put Liverpool ahead in the 43rd minute. From that point on, United collapsed, and Liverpool took complete control of the game.
Two goals apiece from Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah, plus a late goal from Roberto Firmino, lifted Klopp’s team to fifth position, three points behind Tottenham but with a game in hand.
This victory cemented Liverpool’s status as favorites to finish fourth.
Now, they are chasing Tottenham down and seemingly set to climb above Antonio Conte’s team. Jurgen Klopp’s team has been transformed by the arrival of new players like Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez.
These two players have both struggled to make an instant impact at Liverpool following their arrivals this season. However, their performances against United showed that their future is bright at Anfield.
Gakpo has scored four goals in his past six games for Liverpool after failing to find the net in his first six weeks at the club since his Jan. 1 move from PSV Eindhoven. Nunez, also 23, now has four goals in his last four games for the club after enduring a difficult period following his club record £85 million transfer from Benfica.
How Manchester United Fared in the Match
For Manchester United, this result is a reality check. They had ended their six-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup, which prompted talk of a quadruple this season. However, they were humiliated by their biggest rivals at Anfield.
The defeat means United have now scored just once on their last seven visits to Liverpool and haven’t won at Anfield since a Wayne Rooney winner in January 2016.
Erik ten Hag has rightly won plaudits this season for transforming Manchester United with his tactical awareness and decision-making from the touchline. However, he made a costly tactical mistake at Anfield.
By starting with Marcus Rashford as a lone striker, Bruno Fernandes wide on the left, and Wout Weghorst as a No. 10, the United manager let Liverpool off the hook.
Fernandes is a natural No. 10 and is best when given that role to create chances for those further ahead of him. But he lacks the pace to play out wide, and his presence in that position meant Alexander-Arnold had one of his easiest games of the season.
Had Rashford played out wide, it would have forced Alexander-Arnold to deal with somebody running at him and the spaces that he often leaves behind him.
Post Match Statements
Following their victory, Liverpool had plenty to say about their performance. Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson commented on the team’s performance, saying “Today you could see the energy levels. Today was a proper performance.”
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah spoke about the team’s need to remain humble, stating “We are not in the position we want to be but hopefully it will give us a big push.” He also discussed his goalscoring record, calling it “very special” and noting that he planned to celebrate with chamomile tea and his family.
Meanwhile, Man United manager Erik ten Hag expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, saying “It was not our standards. We didn’t play as a team. It was unprofessional.” He also discussed the need for the team to bounce back after the setback.
