In just 20 days, Liverpool experienced such bitterness twice, being eliminated by Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, losing the top spot after drawing with Manchester United in the Premier League, and coach Jurgen Klopp twice made gaffes in his post-match press conference.
The 32nd round of the Premier League has just ended, and Manchester City came from one goal behind to win thanks to Kevin De Bruyne's brace, as well as goals from Erling Haaland and Lewis, who also completed his 250th appearance and the milestone of 100th goal. Arsenal had an easy time, beating a strong Brighton Albion Albion three-goal thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard. The two rivals successfully won all three points, so that Liverpool, who came later, felt a lot of pressure.
The third double red meeting of the season, continued at Old Trafford, although it was away, but Liverpool comprehensively suppressed Manchester United in the first half, and the shot ratio was an exaggerated figure of 15:0, but Klopp's team only scored one goal, laying the groundwork for the game. In the second half, the ratio of shots between the two sides came to a close figure of 13:9, and United also scored two goals to turn the score, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka converted a late penalty to allow Liverpool to equalise, and the two sides eventually shook hands and took a point away.
After the game, when the reporter asked if Manchester United and Liverpool were not satisfied with one point each? Klopp immediately restrained all his smiles and said a meaningful sentence, United is disappointed? That is interesting good. At this moment, Klopp seemed to be a little out of shape.
Reminiscent of the FA Cup defeat, Klopp was asked why Liverpool's fitness dropped sharply in extra-time? Klopp looked quite impatient and answered in fairly quick sentences, this question is stupid, Liverpool don't know how many games they played, and Manchester United, how many games they played? Then, while leaving in a hurry, he added to reporters, it seems that you are not in good health, and you don't have much confidence in you.
It's no wonder Jurgen Klopp lost twice and Liverpool's last-time extra-time defeat shattered their dreams of a quadruple. This time, Liverpool were unable to win the game in the excellent situation of the first half, and almost did not even get a point, making the Premier League title race even more difficult.
Perhaps, if you can't beat Manchester United, it's hard to compete for the title. In this season's Premier League, Manchester City won two games against Manchester United and scored 6 points, Liverpool drew two with Manchester United and scored only 2 points, and Arsenal temporarily completed one game and got 3 points. So, from that point of view, Manchester United seems to be a stumbling block for Liverpool's title race. Of course, on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League, Arsenal will also be away to Manchester United, and if the three teams are still that close, Manchester United will become the "referee" of the Premier League title.
At present, Arsenal and Liverpool are tied on 71 points, Manchester City has 70 points, and the goal difference of the three teams is 51, 42 and 40 respectively, and the Premier League title race is believed to continue for some time. Especially with the resumption of European competition this week, all three teams cannot afford to lose, the schedule will be quite tough, and any draw will bring a change to the title race.
After Manchester United's draw with Liverpool, it has basically been announced that they will not be eligible for next season's Champions League. In the last three games, Manchester United have been scored in the last moments, facing Brentford and Liverpool, only scoring one point, and facing Chelsea, even losing all three points, which is difficult for fans to accept. After all, the fifth place in the Premier League has a good chance of participating in the Champions League, and Aston Villa's last two games are also one draw and one loss, if Ten Hag's team can grit their teeth and persevere, it will not be difficult to catch up with Villa with these three wins.
It has to be said that injuries are the biggest obstacle to Manchester United's progress, and statistics show that United have played 43 games this season, with a total of 31 different four back combinations, and from this point of view, Ten Hag can also keep the team in sixth place in the Premier League, which is not easy. With Chelsea also not competitive, Manchester United's sixth place is still relatively solid. However, the current central defenders, only Maguire and 19-year-old Cambuwala remain, and the future is still full of challenges.