Like many hyped up Premier League encounters, Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United at Anfield failed to live up to its billing.
A goalless stalemate wasn’t the best advert for the league but there was a level of intensity to speak of and some interesting points as well.
Here’s five things we learned from the 0-0 draw.
STRIKERS FAILED TO IMPRESS
This was always likely to be a game bogged down in midfield but the performances of the lone striker on either side was particularly underwhelming.
Daniel Sturridge has never had the full confidence of Jurgen Klopp and his latest outing won’t help his cause. The Englishman was anonymous throughout the game. He was completely ineffective and quite rightly hauled off after 59 minutes.
At the other end, Zlatan Ibrahimovic had another game to forget. The highly-rated striker spent most of his time tussling with defenders and seemed uninterested in trying to run in behind even when the ball was on.
The one time he did do so, he was quite poorly caught offside when he could have been clean through on goal. Most worryingly though, when United’s best chance fell to him, his header was nowhere near to finding the target.
Daniel Sturridge's game by numbers vs. Man Utd:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 17, 2016
1 touch inside the box
0 chances created
0 take-ons
0 shots
Isolated and ineffective. pic.twitter.com/GVzXQhB3W4
LIVERPOOL NULLIFIED
Liverpool play was more scrappy than anything else in the first half. They needed more composure in midfield and United were happy to take up the right positions and simply nick the ball off them when they made a mistake.
Klopp was increasingly animated on the touchline, trying to get his players to – ironically – keep their heads. Jose Mourinho clearly came to Anfield with a gameplan which was executed to near perfection.
Although they were much better in the second half and should have taken the lead but for David de Gea, the limited variety to their approach is a concern.
They even tried getting a few crosses in which was incredibly misguided given that the likes of Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho were up against Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Marouane Fellaini.
This was the first 0-0 draw between Liverpool and Man United since September 2005, a run of 27 games without one.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 17, 2016
Drab affair. pic.twitter.com/f3AYGj2alI
POGBA ROAMS BUT HERRERA STARS
Although Paul Pogba was the one afforded the free role in United’s midfield, he was arguably the least impressive. The Frenchman did show some flashes of brilliance, particularly early on when his link-up play with Ibrahimovic looked threatening, but was outshone by his teammates.
Maroune Fellaini once again thrived in a game tailored for his physical approach but it was Ander Herrera who was most impressive.
The Spaniard was excellent on the ball and strong in a tackle. His duel with Philippe Coutinho was one of the better ones on the pitch.
Ander Herrera for Manchester United tonight:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 17, 2016
Most passes (50)
Most interceptions (11)
Most tackles won (5)
Most take-ons completed (5) pic.twitter.com/gxVzcGF6Sp
HOSTS LACKED COMPOSURE
In their exciting midfielders, Liverpool retain plenty of exuberance in their play but given United’s set-up cooler heads were needed. Too many times did they try to force the issue and only relinquished possession instead.
Emre Can looked off the pace and repeatedly gave the ball away. Firmino was also guilty of being a little too eager while the fact that James Milner is being played at left-back, where he’s done alright to be fair, meant the hosts missed an experienced head to direct play in midfield.
Meanwhile, Loris Karius was far from convincing in goal and could’ve been broken had United managed to test him more.
Emre Can looks like he hasn't played for about 4 years.
— Karl (@Karlton81) October 17, 2016
ROONEY’S INTRODUCTION SEEMED POINTLESS
Wayne Rooney made virtually no impact on the game when he replaced Marcus Rashford. The teenager didn’t have his most memorable outing either but with United pinned back in the closing stages, his pace presented an outlet.
Rooney was brought on to play on the right flank instead and while he probably wasn’t expected to storm past defenders, he failed to track runners too.
Mourinho would’ve been better served bringing on the more athletic Jese Lingard at that juncture had he felt it necessary to take Rashford off.
Manchester United reduced to 10 men as Wayne Rooney comes on for Rashford.
— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) October 17, 2016