Premier League 2017/18 - Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United: Player ratings
Manchester United maintained their unbeaten start to the season after holding Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield on Saturday.
Liverpool dominated possession for large portions of the match at Anfield but created few openings of note.
David De Gea had to be at his best to keep out a Joel Matip effort from point-blank range, while Emre Can missed a guilt-edged effort after the break.
Romelu Lukaku had United’s best opportunity, but made it too easy for Simon Mignolet to keep out.
Let’s take a look at how the players fared for both the teams.
Liverpool
Simon Mignolet: 6/10
Won’t have many easier afternoons. Smart save to deny Lukaku, but otherwise was very much a bystander. Distribution was on point for most of the match.
Joe Gomez: 7/10
Very impressive from the youngster. Dealt with the threat of Anthony Martial very effectively, while offering a real threat on the break.
Alberto Moreno: 6/10
Still never too far away from a kamikaze moment. Looked reasonably competent on the ball and put in plenty of miles.
Joel Matip: 7/10
Had Liverpool’s best chance of the half, but was denied by a stunning stop. Strong on the tackle and gained possession more than any other player.
Dejan Lovren: 7/10
Had several decent chances to score with headers from corners, but couldn’t find the target. Made more clearances than any other player on the pitch at Anfield.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 5/10
Started well, but faded as the match wore on. Actually had the most shots on target in the match, but none of them were ever going to find the net.
Emre Can: 6/10
Will be thinking about his missed chance for a long time. Difficult technique, but having got there he could have done better. Made more tackles than any Liverpool player.
Jordan Henderson: 6/10
Very ineffective. Too many safe passes. Liverpool need him to take games like this by the scruff of the neck. Didn’t create enough.
Philippe Coutinho: 8/10
The best player on the pitch, but couldn’t create that killer chance. Tried everything to unlock United, but his efforts were all in vain.
Mohamed Salah: 7/10
Player of the first half, but faded badly as the match wore on. United couldn’t handle him early on but he disappeared after the break.
Roberto Firmino: 6/10
Completed more key passes than anyone else on the pitch, had more shots, and had most shots blocked. He should have done better with all of such instances.
Substitutes
Daniel Sturridge: 6/10
Couldn’t exert his influence on the game. Looked off the pace.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 6/10
One great cross immediately after coming off the bench, but otherwise did little.
Dominic Solanke: N/A
No time to make an impact.