Liverpool 3-1 Manchester United: Shaqiri Brace Sinks United
Anfield, December 16, 2018
Manchester United suffered their first Premier League defeat at Anfield in five years as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool claimed a 3-1 victory. Two deflected second-half goals from substitute Xherdan Shaqiri proved decisive, after Jesse Lingard had earlier cancelled out Sadio Mane’s opener.
Despite a resilient defensive display and a string of fine saves from David De Gea, United were unable to contain the league leaders, who regained their one-point advantage over Manchester City at the summit.
First Half – Early Pressure and Lingard’s Equaliser
United started with determination, earning an early free-kick after Marcus Rashford’s driving run. Ashley Young’s delivery found the net but was disallowed for offside against Romelu Lukaku.
Liverpool steadily gained control, forcing De Gea into action with efforts from Roberto Firmino and Fabinho. The pressure told in the 24th minute when Fabinho’s clever chip found Mane, who chested down and volleyed past De Gea to put the hosts ahead.
Minutes later, Dejan Lovren squandered a chance to double Liverpool’s lead, blazing over from close range. United then found their footing, stringing together their best attacking move of the half. Neat interplay between Ander Herrera and Lingard allowed Lukaku to cross from the left. Alisson spilled the ball into Lingard’s path, and the United forward made no mistake, turning the ball home in the 33rd minute.
Buoyed by the equaliser, United finished the half strongly. Lingard and Rashford looked lively, while Herrera tested Alisson from range. Liverpool, though, remained dangerous, with Salah and Mane probing before the break.
Second Half – Shaqiri Makes the Difference
Jose Mourinho made a tactical switch at halftime, introducing Marouane Fellaini for Diogo Dalot and reverting to a back four. Rashford troubled Van Dijk with a skilful run but was unable to find a teammate in the box. At the other end, De Gea saved a close-range effort from Firmino as Liverpool enjoyed prolonged spells of possession.
United’s defence held firm until Klopp introduced Shaqiri with 20 minutes remaining. The Swiss forward made an immediate impact, restoring Liverpool’s lead in the 73rd minute. Mane’s deflected cross was flicked away by De Gea, but Shaqiri’s shot took a wicked deflection off Young, looping off the crossbar and over the line.
United tried to respond through Lingard and Herrera, but Liverpool remained in control. In the 80th minute, Firmino’s flick found Shaqiri in space, and his powerful shot deflected off Eric Bailly, wrong-footing De Gea for Liverpool’s third.
Fellaini had a late chance, but the hosts saw out the game comfortably, much to the delight of the Anfield crowd.
Match Details:
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Clyne, Van Dijk, Lovren, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Keita (Shaqiri 70); Mane (Henderson 84), Salah, Firmino.
Unused substitutes: Mignolet, Camacho, Moreno, Lallana, Sturridge.
Goals: Mane 24, Shaqiri 73, 80.
Manchester United XI: De Gea; Darmian, Bailly, Lindelof; Dalot (Fellaini 45), Matic, Herrera (Martial 79), Young; Rashford, Lingard (Mata 85); Lukaku.
Unused substitutes: Romero, Jones, Valencia, Pogba.
Goal: Lingard 33.
Booked: Dalot, Lukaku.
Referee: Martin Atkinson.
Post-Match Reactions
Jose Mourinho acknowledged Liverpool’s dominance but rued United’s defensive lapses: “We stayed in the game for a long time, but two deflections changed everything. Liverpool deserved the win.”
Jurgen Klopp praised Shaqiri’s impact: “He was outstanding. He came on and changed the game. We deserved the three points.”
With this result, United remain outside the top four, while Liverpool reclaim their spot at the Premier League summit.
