Liverpool see of Manchester United in convincing victory
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Your support makes all the difference.Substitute Xherdan Shaqiri scored two goals from deflected shots to help Liverpool beat fierce rivals Manchester United 3-1 and lift his team back atop the Premier League on Sunday.
Days after keeping Liverpool in the Champions League with a stunning late save against Napoli, Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker made a dreadful mistake that gifted United an equalizer through Jesse Lingard in the 33rd minute at Anfield.
But Shaqiri spared Alisson from some of his embarrassment by putting Liverpool back in front in the 73rd — within three minutes of coming on as a substitute — with a low strike that deflected off United defender Ashley Young and went in off the crossbar.
Shaqiri's second goal clinched Liverpool victory and again came via a ricochet, this time off Eric Bailly, to deceive United goalkeeper David De Gea in the 80th.
Sadio Mane had given Liverpool the lead in the 24th.
United has been beaten 3-1 by both of its biggest rivals in recent weeks — it also lost by that score at Manchester City last month — and was outplayed on both occasions.
Liverpool is a point ahead of second-placed City — and 19 points ahead of sixth-placed United — after 17 games.
AP
PREVIEW
What time does it start?
Liverpool vs Manchester United kicks off at 4:00pm (GMT) on Sunday 16th December.
Where can I watch it?
Liverpool vs Manchester United will be shown live on Sky Sports’ Main Event and Premier League channels from 3:30pm (GMT).
Sky subscribers can stream the match online via the Sky Go app.
Highlights will be shown at 10:15pm on BBC Two.
Player to watch…
Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian is back to his very best form, and his individual effort in midweek against Napoli secured the Reds’ qualification into the knockout stages of the Champions League. Last week, Salah scored a brilliant hat-trick away at Bournemouth and the 26-year-old is now the joint top-scorer in the Premier League on 10 goals, alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, he drew a blank against United last season, and Liverpool haven’t scored at home against United in the league since March 2015.
Form guide…
Liverpool: WLWWWW
Manchester United: DWDDWL
Odds…
Liverpool to win: 11/20
Manchester United to win: 5/1
Draw: 16/5
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
84 minutes
Sadio Mane has been excellent and Anfield rises to salute him as Jurgen Klopp brings him off.
Jordan Henderson takes the armband as he comes on.
85 minutes
Manchester United's final change, but is surely too late now.
Juan Mata on. Jesse Lingard off.
87 minutes
Manchester United look toothless now. Aimless long balls right down the middle, three in succession, bounce through to Alisson.
89 minutes
Time slipping away. Liverpool in possession. Manchester United walking.
Intricate, quick, incisive passing from the hosts and space opens up for Jordan Henderson on his left foot.
A slice, but telling that it is Liverpool looking for a fourth rather than Manchester United a second at this juncture.
90 minutes
Juan Mata fires against Marouane Fellaini. Goal kick.
Three minutes left of stoppage time.
90 + 2 minutes
Roberto Firmino in to the side netting, Mohamed Salah on to the roof of the net.
Even in the dying embers it is all Liverpool.
36 (!) shots from Liverpool in the game. A staggering number. Just the six for Manchester United.
They needed two from Xherdan Shaqiri from the bench, but Liverpool were utterly dominant. A 3-1 win to move back to the top of the table, 19 points ahead of Manchester United.
A superb win for Liverpool, Alisson's blunder ultimately costing nothing thanks to Xherdan Shari's bench impact.
The Brazilian was just a little bit grateful at full time...
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