Liverpool failed to reclaim top spot in the Premier League table as Jürgen Klopp’s men were held to a frustrating goalless draw by a dogged Manchester United outfit.The biggest crowd at Anfield in over half a century provided the perfect backdrop for the meeting of England’s two most successful and historic clubs. But, just as this fixture has become so one-sided in recent years, the early stages followed suit as Liverpool dominated their beleaguered visitors. However, despite all their pressure, it took the Reds until the half-hour mark to seriously challenge United goalkeeper André Onana, who passed the test with flying colours as he tipped Virgil van Dijk’s powerful header over the bar.WWWWWWWWWWWDManchester United end Liverpool’s 100% winning record at home this season ❌#LIVMUN pic.twitter.com/CaHvJm0NQh— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 17, 2023 The hosts’ sloppiness was a common theme of the opening period, as Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai in particular squandered numerous opportunities to penetrate the Red Devils’ rearguard. Erik ten Hag’s men were in no position to capitalise, though, with their lack of belief best illustrated by their failure to register a single shot on target before the interval amidst a subdued Anfield atmosphere.Pressure is on Liverpool: Gunners take the top by chasing the Seagulls awayThere was no change to the pattern of play after the restart, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s marauding run down the right and subsequent strike into the side-netting as close as either side came to an early breakthrough. The Englishman intervened crucially at the other end soon afterwards, taking the ball off Alejandro Garnacho’s toes after he’d been released by Kobbie Mainoo.##EDITORS_CHOICE##A double change and tactical tweak on the hour-mark released Alexander-Arnold into midfield, and he came mightily close to opening the scoring when his long-range effort drifted inches wide of the woodwork. Frustration was growing inside Anfield, and tension came with it as United burst through the Reds’ defence only for Rasmus Hojlund to fire straight at Alisson from a promising position. The visitors’ rising confidence then almost proved to be their downfall as they were opened up on the break, but Onana was equal to Salah’s curling effort as the contest entered the final 20 minutes.Manchester United are:The first team not to lose at Anfield this season.The first team to stop Liverpool scoring this season. pic.twitter.com/2MvtCyAjoN— Football Hub (@FootbalIhub) December 17, 2023 No side in the division has been as prolific from the 75th minute onwards than Liverpool this term, but besides a last-ditch Sofyan Amrabat block to deny Luis Díaz, late scares were few and far between for the visitors. Controversy is never far from this fixture, and for the 18th time in its Premier League history, a red card graced this clash as Diogo Dalot received two cautions within seconds of each other, both for dissent. Nevertheless, United held firm to claim a creditable point at the end of a chastening week. Their winless run at Anfield extends to nine visits, while Liverpool were left frustrated at their inability to surpass Arsenal at the Premier League summit.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 17Friday Nott.Forest – Tottenham 0-2 (0-1)/Richarlison 45+2, Kulusevski 65/Saturday Bournemouth – Luton 1-1 (0-1) ABANDONED/Solanke 58 – Adebayo 3/*Abandoned due to serious injury of a player*Chelsea – Sheffield Utd 2-0 (0-0)/Palmer 54, Jackson 61/Newcastle – Fulham 3-0 (0-0)/Miley 57, Almiron 64, Burn 82/Man.City – Crystal Palace 2-2 (1-0)/Grealish 24, Lewis 54 – Mateta 76, Olise 90+5 pen/Burnley – Everton 0-2 (0-2)/Onana 19, Keane 25/SundayArsenal – Brighton 2-0 (0-0)/Jesus 53, Havertz 88/Brentford – Aston Villa 1-2 (1-0)/Lewis-Potter 45 – Moreno 77, Watkins 85/West Ham – Wolverhampton 3-0 (2-0)/Kudus 22,32, Bowen 74/Liverpool – Man.Utd. 0-0
