Liverpool suffered an 18th loss of the season in all competitions as they were beaten 3-2 by fierce foes Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Reds did battle back from being two goals behind at half-time, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo on target. But in truth, Arne Slot’s depleted side did nowhere near enough after drawing level and missed out on a chance to leapfrog United into third in the Premier League table.
Liverpool’s first-half performance was insipid and they fell behind after just six minutes. A corner into the box was only partially dealt with, and with a second bite at the cherry, Matheus Cunha’s deflected effort found its way beyond Reds goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.
Eight minutes later, it came as no surprise when United doubled their advantage. Bruno Fernandes’ header was pushed out by Woodman but only into the path of Sesko, who got the fortune of a ricochet and the ball bounced int the back of the net.
Cody Gakpo flashed an effort just wide for Liverpool on 24 minutes before Fernandes spurned a golden chance to stretch United further clear but he couldn’t hit the target.
Liverpool were much improved after the restart and got back into the showdown when Szoboszlai won possession on the halfway lone and applied a composed finish. The Reds were then gifted an equaliser when United goalkeeper Senne Lemmens’ goal kick was cut out by Alexis Mac Allister and Gakpo was able to punish the error.
But Liverpool failed to smell blood and did not capitalise on a clearly shaken United outfit. The home side gradually started getting back on top and with 13 minutes remaining, the ball fell kindly for Kobbie Mainoo on the edge of Liverpool’s box and he picked out the bottom corner with aplomb.
Substitute Rio Ngumoha did flash an effort wide for the visitors in the closing stages. But Liverpool got what they deserved, albeit with limited options, as a three-match winning streak was arrested - and pressure remains on head coach Slot among sections of fans.
Liverpool player ratings vs Man United.
Little chance with any of the goals.
1. Freddie Woodman - 5
Little chance with any of the goals. | AFP via Getty Images
Tried to at least get things going in the first half. Similar in the second period but got away with a couple of mistakes.
2. Curtis Jones - 6
Tried to at least get things going in the first half. Similar in the second period but got away with a couple of mistakes. | Getty Images
Dealt with Sesko for the most part in the first half. Didn't make any major errors but part of a defence that conceded three times.
3. Ibrahima Konate -5
Dealt with Sesko for the most part in the first half. Didn't make any major errors but part of a defence that conceded three times. | Getty Images
Dug in during the first half, to his credit. Similar after the break
4. Virgil van Dijk - 6
Dug in during the first half, to his credit. Similar after the break | AFP via Getty Images