Liverpool again topped the Premier League standings after beating their eternal rival, Manchester United, with a score of 3-1. Xherdan Shaqiri became man of the match after scoring two goals, but there were three other actors who made a difference.
Playing at Anfield Stadium on Sunday (12/16/2018) night local time, the Reds locked victory through goals from Sadio Mane (24 ') and Xherdan Shaqiri (73', 80 '). The United goal was scored by Jesse Lingard (33 ').
According to the Guardian report, there are at least four Liverpool players who took an important role in the victory. Of course the first was Shaqiri the scorer of two goals, then Fabinho, Sadio Mane, and Andy Robertson also got credit for a brilliant performance in week 17.
The three players, by The Guardian, got the highest rating during the match. Sadio Mane opened the Liverpool goal, Fabinho set the pace in midfield and made an assist, while Robertson successfully covered on the left side of the field. Here's the review;
Xherdan Shaqiri
Liverpool were in a 1-1 draw when Xherdan Shaqiri came in in the second half precisely in the 70th minute replacing Naby Keita. It only took three minutes for Shaqiri to score a goal while making Liverpool back ahead of Manchester United.
Ten minutes before the normal time ended, the 27-year-old Swiss national team player scored his second goal while locking Liverpool's victory, 3-1. According to Opta, Shaqiri became the second Liverpool player to have scored more than one goal against United in a match since Nigel Clough in 1994.
Sadio Mane
Appearing as a starter, Sadio Mane is considered the most prominent player of the Liverpool trident. Mane made eight chances, and scored the opening goal against Manchester United in the 24th minute.
According to The Guardian, Mane appeared most dominant compared to Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah. Mobility on the right side of Liverpool's attack line is often troublesome for the Red Devils defender.
Fabinho
Before the match began, Liverpool fans questioned Juergen Klopp's decision to install Fabinho as a starter. While James Milner suddenly missed then Jordan Henderson sat on the bench. Presumably the decision was sweet fruit.
Fabinho was the supplier of assists when Liverpool opened the scoring through Sadio Mane. The Brazilian midfielder sent a breakthrough pass that was able to be used as a goal in the 24th minute. Even until the game ended Fabinho managed to manage the Liverpool midfield and cut the flow of Manchester United a lot.
Andrew Robertson
Robbo - greetings Andrew Robertson - did not score assists or goals against United. But the 24-year-old Scottish winger became the most highlighted player by Jose Mourinho. The reason is one; Robertson diligently helped attack when Liverpool held the ball, then quickly he covered the defensive area when losing the ball.
After the match, Mourinho, who rarely praised the quality of opposing players, bluntly spoke of the qualities that Robertson showed. "I am still tired of seeing Andy Robertson! He sprints 100 meters every minute, which is incredible. That's how they are," Mou said.
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