Saturday 12 March 2016 08:07, UK
In their first-ever meeting in European competition, Liverpool outplayed Manchester United in their 2-0 Europa League last-16 first-leg success.
The Anfield crowd were in fine voice right form the off on Thursday night, and after Daniel Sturridge converted from the spot to give his side the lead after 20 minutes, the result was never in doubt.
In fact, the scoreline should have been greater than the two-goal advantage that the Reds take to Old Trafford for next week's return leg, with Roberto Firmino's strike in the 73rd minute the only other occasion they got past a stubborn David de Gea.
From Louis van Gaal's usage of Marouane Fellaini to Liverpool's strikeforce bearing fruit, we look at the main talking points from a dramatic encounter...
Lacking fight and direction
Two characteristics that were synonymous with Sir Alex Ferguson's United sides were conspicuous in their absence at Anfield. Liverpool were fitter, stronger and wanted it more. United will point to the penalty decision that enabled the hosts to take the lead as the turning point, but in truth, Liverpool should be out of sight in this tie having dominated for long periods, with relative ease.
The Reds made 26 tackles compared to United's 17, won over 12 per cent more duels and recovered the ball nine more times than their bitter rivals, who looked every inch a side still very much in decline.
United haven't won any of their last six away knockout games in European competition, losing five times - not the form of three-time European champions. How long will United's expectant following put up with such a record?
Is Fellaini Van Gaal's blindspot?
"I have to say Fellaini was one of the best players on the pitch," Van Gaal proclaimed after the defeat - cue social media eruption in amazement.
The imposing Belgian played in his usual abrasive style, and was a useful tool at the back when defending set-pieces, but otherwise he was a microcosm of United's lack of cohesion, and didn't seem to know where he was playing.
He was by no means the only weak link in the United side, but the stats hardly add any resonance to Van Gaal's claims. Fellaini won less than half of his duels, won only one tackle all game and lost the ball 20 times - the joint-most of any player of the pitch.
And the most damning stat of all - without Fellaini, United have won 68.4 per cent of their matches in all competitions since the Belgian's arrival at M16; with him in the side, it is a 34.6 per cent success rate. Ouch.
Lallana showing an end product
After bidding Southampton an emotional farewell, it is not unfair to say that Adam Lallana has not lived up to expectations. Since being given a run of games recently, however, the 27-year-old has stepped up when it really matters.
He was man of the match in the 3-0 success over title-chasing Manchester City last week, scoring one and providing another, before again impressing in the victory at Crystal Palace last weekend.
And, with rivals United in town, Lallana again put in a five-star display, coolly laying on the crucial second for Firmino, when others would have lost their heads. He may well become a pivotal figure for Liverpool after all.
3-5-2 not the weapon of choice
United's squad has the personnel that suits a 3-5-2 system. Daley Blind is more than comfortable as a left wing-back, as is Luke Shaw when fit, Guillermo Varela has the pace to get up and down the right, while Michael Carrick is capable of acting as the libero centre-back, carrying the ball out of defence with aplomb.
However, against pacey opposition who like to press, this is not an option Van Gaal should be turning to, especially when his side are 1-0 down. Carrick's poor clearance led to Liverpool's second, when a more recognised centre-back may have put the ball in the stands.
United's passing was better in the second half with a change of system, but it is moments like Carrick's clearance that can decide ties of this magnitude, and Van Gaal has to take some of the blame for gambling with an ageing midfielder in the heart of United's defence against high-octane opposition.
Klopp's attacking arsenal
Heading into this encounter it was, somewhat surprisingly, United who had the more potent strike force, with their forward players finding the net more frequently than Liverpool's top four goalscorers.
On the night, with Sturridge and Firmino firing on all cylinders, the Reds proved who, when all fighting fit, has the attacking arsenal of choice.
That's now eight in all competitions for Firmino since the turn of the year, while Sturridge again looked back to full fitness, and put his penalty away with confidence.
With Philippe Coutinho in fine fettle, Lallana looking settled and Divock Origi providing a pacey option, Jurgen Klopp knows he has attacking options capable of salvaging the Reds' season.
