Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester United brought another familiar post-match scene.
For what feels like the 100th time this season, Virgil van Dijk was left to dissect an underwhelming performance and explain why things had gone wrong. United went two goals up through a set-piece and a breakaway, while Liverpool only really found a route back into the game through errors from the home side.
There were defensive concerns again, but Van Dijk made it clear that Liverpool’s lack of attacking edge was just as damaging. With so many forward options missing, the Reds simply did not pose enough threat.
Which Liverpool player was most to blame for defeat against Manchester United?
Virgil van Dijk on Liverpool’s lack of attacking options
Liverpool’s injury crisis has arrived at a terrible time. The Reds already looked stretched before heading to Old Trafford, but the lack of recognised attacking options made the problem even more obvious.
The visitors had possession at times, but they did not do enough with it.
There was not enough movement behind United’s back line. There was not enough danger in the attacking third. Most of the threat in central areas only came when Cody Gakpo drifted inside and tried to make something happen.
Without a natural striker presence, Liverpool looked too easy to defend against. Van Dijk admitted as much to Sky Sports after the game.
He said: “When you’re 2-0 down it’s always tough, obviously the first one’s a set-piece and then the other on the break. We weren’t threatening whatsoever, we didn’t create in the first half especially. No runs in behind, obviously it’s difficult to play without recognised strikers.”
Liverpool can still be criticised for the way they defended. They should not be conceding so softly from set-pieces, and they should not be opened up so easily on the counter.
But it was always going to be hard to build pressure without so many key players available.
Arne Slot’s side did not have enough punch in the final third. With so many attacking stars out, that was perhaps understandable. But at this stage of the season, understandable does not make it any less costly.
- READ MORE: Jamie Carragher explains why Liverpool’s ‘soft and weak’ display vs Man United is on Arne Slot
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