Liverpool went to Old Trafford and beat Manchester United 4-2 on Thursday evening. It was a magnificent result that keeps their top-four hopes alive.
Here are five things we learned from the game 24 hours later.
Klopp shows his belief
The big decision for this game was where to play Fabinho. It was clear Ozan Kabak wouldn’t make it and that created a problem.
Nat Phillips was always going to start but he needed a partner. That partner had been Rhys Williams against Southampton but was the youngster ready for this? United, undoubtedly, were a step up.
Fabinho could slot into defence, though. But that would come at the cost of having a defensive midfielder.
We weighed up the pros and cons, eventually coming down as Klopp did – that Fabinho in front of Williams was the best option. We just didn’t think he’d take that chance.
But the boss put his faith in Williams being up against Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford. He wasn’t perfect but Klopp’s trust paid off.
Alexander-Arnold shines again
It’s clear that Alexander-Arnold’s England snub has had a positive effect. But this was the biggest sign yet that he’s back to his best.
Five created chances – two more than anyone else on the pitch – three interceptions, wasn’t dribbled past once, and 15 more touches than any other Liverpool player.
Alexander-Arnold is, once again, playing like the world’s best full-back. A sensational player who played as big a role in Liverpool’s win as anyone.
Thiago fits
Thiago wasn’t at his absolute best at Old Trafford, certainly. But he did remove any doubts that he can play in Liverpool’s style.
Thiago consistently pressed United well, taking up the right positions and doing it within a unit. The fact he managed that on an off day is a really good sign that he’s fitting in.
And to be honest, his stats were good defensively. No one for Liverpool made more tackles or interceptions. No one in the game completed more dribbles, either.
So a below-average Thiago performance still delivers. That’s hugely promising for next season, in particular.
Pressing!
Speaking of pressing as a unit, this was the best pressing display from Liverpool all season. They were remarkable – it was like watching their best from last season.
And doing it with a centre-back partnership of Phillips and Williams only makes it more impressive. In fact, doing it without Jordan Henderson on the pitch is quite fantastic.
Hopefully, Liverpool have the energy to do this until the end of the season. We saw how much they rattled United, getting the third goal as a result of the press. Keep this up and the Reds will get their maximum points.
In their hands
Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal put it in Liverpool’s hands – the Reds finish top four if they win all of their games. But winning at United was always going to be a tough task.
Yet Liverpool beat United 4-2, setting themselves up with a real chance of success. Now they’ve got to beat West Brom, Burnley and Crystal Palace to secure a Champions League place.
Liverpool have struggled against teams in the bottom half this season. The win over United was so impressive, though, that we’ve got to believe they’ll do it.
Three more performances like this and the Reds will be where they belong next season.
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