LIVERPOOL, England -- Xherdan Shaqiri came off the substitutes bench to score twice and send Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League in a 3-1 win over fierce rivals Manchester United.
Shaqiri, who replaced Naby Keita in the 70th minute, scored in the 73rd and 80th minute at Anfield after Jesse Lingard canceled out Sadio Mane's opener.
Positives
Shaqiri might be the best value signing of the season at £13 million. His impact during a match-winning, 20-minute cameo was sublime. United should take a note of Liverpool's business in the transfer market.
Another summer recruit, Fabinho, was vital in this crucial win. This was another reminder that Liverpool have a squad capable of winning the Premier League.
Negatives
Alisson committed a poor error on Lingard's equaliser as he fumbled Romelu Lukaku's cross. The Brazilian, however, has already done enough during his short Liverpool career to justify his price tag.
Meanwhile, Liverpool's attacking play when they were chasing a lead was too panicked at times. Until Shaqiri came on, Liverpool were popping shots off from long range that were comfortable for David De Gea and halted the home side's momentum.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- In possession Liverpool were in a 4-2-3-1, out of it they were an organised 4-4-1-1. United simply couldn't handle what Liverpool had to offer in the opening half hour. Liverpool lost their rhythm after United's goal, but were always the most likely winners of the game. Klopp finally has a win against United at Anfield in the league.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Alisson, 5 -- His concentration is one of the many strengths to his game, but there was a rare lapse when Liverpool were firmly on top.
DF Nathaniel Clyne, 6 -- An OK display, given the context. Clyne was required to make just his third start in the past 17 months because of the injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez and James Milner.
DF Dejan Lovren, 6 -- If we're nitpicking you could say Lovren should have done more to prevent Lukaku's cross for the equaliser. A solid performance on the whole. Liverpool need him to stay fit.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 -- Easily dealt with Romelu Lukaku all game. How Jose Mourinho must wish he had a centre-half like Van Dijk.
DF Andrew Robertson, 6 -- Usually so good with his delivery, he sent in crosses and corners that didn't beat the first man -- much to the frustration of the Anfield crowd. Not much else wrong with his performance, though.
MF Fabinho, 9 -- Delivered a perfect, defence-splitting through ball for Mane's opener. There was a lot more, too. It's worth remembering just how much he struggled away at Arsenal in November. Looking at his performance here, it will be hard to take a starting berth away from him.
MF Georginio Wijnaldum, 7 -- Appears to relish these big occasions. The better the team, the better performance Wijnaldum delivers.
FW Naby Keita, 6 -- Influential and energetic on the left for 70 minutes. He particularly helps Liverpool's pressing, but needs to find the goalscoring threat he possessed at RB Leipzig.
FW Mohamed Salah, 6 -- Unusually quiet and, for once, overshadowed by his two forward partners.
FW Roberto Firmino, 7 -- He's looking very much his usual self again after an indifferent start to the season. Firmino is having more of an impact in the final third, while still making incredibly important defensive contributions.
FW Sadio Mane, 8 -- Punished the team that tried to sign him in 2015 with a well-taken goal. A huge threat throughout and was influential for Shaqiri's first goal.
Substitutes
FW Xherdan Shaqiri, 9 -- A super-sub who changed the game when he was introduced. Both goals took deflections, but the versatile Swiss did not care a single bit. He is making vital contributions -- both as a starter and substitute -- this season.
MF Jordan Henderson , N/R -- Brought on to shut the game down at 3-1.