Player ratings as the head-of-the-table clash ends scoreless

Manchester United remained at the top of the Premier League table with a 0-0 draw against Liverpool on Sunday, in which the Reds dominated possession but their opponents had the best chances.

Liverpool had the best of the first half, registering 67% possession and shooting nine shots. However, it was United who came closest to opening the scoring with Bruno Fernandes’ whipped free kick a few inches from tucked away in the net.

It was a similar story after the break. Once again, Liverpool took much more advantage of the ball, while United would have the best chances. Fernandes was center stage again, pushing a straight cut to Alisson with 15 minutes left.

Soon after, Paul Pogba had the best chance of the game, but the Frenchman could only power a close effort straight to the Reds goalkeeper.

Here are your notes from United and Liverpool players from Anfield…

Alisson (GK) – 8/10 – He swept United balls well and handled every shot that came up. Two big stops in the last ten minutes were vital.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – 5/10 – Nowhere is his best display. Seemed a bit unstable in his defense and his creative influence was minimal.

Fabinho (CB) – 8/10 – Class personified. He removed Fernandes balls with ease and made sure the United frontline was deprived of service.

Jordan Henderson (CB) – 8/10 – An impressive display, especially given his limited experience at the central rear.

Andy Robertson (LB) – 7/10 – Move forward frequently and take promising positions. Also strongly defended.

Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) – 6/10 – Created intricate triangles on the edge of the box. Sometimes guilty of loose passes.

Thiago Alcantara (CM) – 7/10 – Ran the game in the first half, looking a cut above all the other players on the pitch. De Gea forced stop with a late long-range effort.

Xherdan Shaqiri (CM) – 6/10 – His inclusion raised eyebrows but he did well. Showed good industry at first but faded after break.

Mohamed Salah (RW) – 5/10 – Waste before the break, losing possession six times. Also guilt of panicking when presented with a chance to score.

Roberto Firmino (ST) – 4/10 – Some bad hiccups in the first half. Doesn’t seem to click with Salah and Mane yet.

Sadio Mane (LW) – 5/10 – He had a quiet game, mainly thanks to strong marking from Wan-Bissaka. One shot.

Curtis Jones – 6/10 – Little influence after his arrival.

Divock Origi – 6/10 – As above.

James Milner – N / A

David de Gea (GK) – 7/10 – Didn’t have to make too many backups. Did his job with minimal hassle when asked.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) – 8/10 – Very well defended, limiting Mane’s influence. Recorded four tackles and well covered.

Victor Lindelof (CB) – 7/10 – His lack of rhythm was rarely exhibited. Makes an excellent interception in the box late.

Harry Maguire (CB) – 7/10 – A few shaky moments when he was isolated with Salah off. But for the most part, he did well.

Luke Shaw (LB) – 7/10 – Handles Salah’s threat quite comfortably. No offensive contribution but again, that was never going to be his role.

Scott McTominay (CM) – 5/10 – Chased the shadows in the first half as Liverpool’s quick combinations proved too much for him to handle.

Fred (CM) – 6/10 – Better than his midfielder partner. His clever trade led to the first chance of the game for United and he better limited Liverpool in the second half.

Bruno Fernandes (AM) – 7/10 – Get close to the score with a free kick in the first half. Perhaps he could have done more defensively in the first half.

Paul Pogba (RW) – 5/10 – Despite his recent return to form, he struggled. Forced his passes and often dribbled his way into a dead end. Rejected a great chance in the last few minutes.

Marcus Rashford (ST) – 4/10 – The timing of his races was horrible. Overall, he’s been taken offside five times. Decision making was also poor.

Anthony Martial (LW) – 5/10 – A frustrating afternoon. Barely involved before being replaced after an hour.

Edinson Cavani – 6/10 – Won a free kick in a danger zone a few minutes after coming into play.

Mason Greenwood – N / A