Liverpool earn late draw at Man United as Lallana cancels out Rashford opener

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:19 am

Adam Lallana rescued a 1-1 draw for Liverpool against rivals Manchester United on Sunday as the visitors' lead at the top of the Premier League table was reduced to six points.

While Liverpool entered the fixture with eight wins from eight league games this season, coach Jurgen Klopp had never won at Old Trafford and the visitors had only earned one victory at the ground in the last 10 years.

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In a scrappy first half, it was United who were finding themselves in more promising positions, though neither side created a clear cut chance until Marcus Rashford found the net from a Daniel James cross on 35 minutes.

A VAR check ensued due to a challenge on Liverpool's Divock Origi by Victor Lindelof in the buildup, but the goal stood -- much to Klopp's frustration, which was compounded eight minutes later as a result of further VAR intervention.

"We were good enough for a point," said Klopp, "We were in charge 100% towards the end. We wanted a different result but to do that you have to play better."

United are now unbeaten in their last seven home games against Liverpool and while their battling display will boost morale, the 20-times champions are adrift in 13th place, 15 points behind the leaders.

"We have a team that works for each other and maybe this will turn their season," said United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"They are disappointed because they feel we should have won. Our fans showed they can see what's happening and we will get there."

Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League was reduced to six points on Sunday as rivals Manchester United held them to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League was reduced to six points on Sunday as rivals Manchester United held them to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Sadio Mane stabbed the ball past David De Gea, who started for the home side despite having picked up an abductor issue while on duty with Spain, only to see his finish ruled out for a handball.

Liverpool increased the pressure in the second half as they pursued an equaliser, and finally found the net with five minutes of regulation time remaining, when substitute Lallana scored his first goal since May 2017 at the back post after a cross from Andy Robertson.

Another VAR check increased tension around the ground with seconds left in added time, with Liverpool players appealing for a handball in the United box. There was to be no late drama, however, as no spot kick was awarded and the final whistle sounded moments later.

The result cuts Liverpool's lead over second-placed Manchester City to six points and Klopp's side were far from at their best.

"[Lallana] saved us with his goal and that could be a big point," said Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson. "We could have been better today and in the second half we were much better but if you can't win, don't lose."