Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United: Gakpo, Nunez, Salah score brace in Epic Win against United
Manchester United visited Anfield with the momentum to grab a win after 7 years but returned with a nightmare of conceding 7 goals. The game was tight from both sides in the first half till Cody Gakpo opened the scoreline in the 43rd minute after beating Varane and a beautiful through ball from Andrew Robertson.
Everything went downhill for United from there as the players were left frustrated and could not pick up for the rest of the game. Liverpool were in top form, back to their old selves, and stuck to a pattern while United were too sloppy in defense and out of position throughout the game.
Gakpo, Nunez, Salah shine for Liverpool
Cody Gakpo (43’, 50’), Darwin Nunez (47’, 75’), Mohamed Salah (66’, 83’), Roberto Firminho (88’) were on the scoresheet for Liverpool. United were punished on counters every time they went up the pitch to score and failed to get back in shape. Liverpool were solid since the beginning of the second half and kept pressing hard over United and scored total 7 goals in 8 shots on target.
United’s defeat matched their previous heaviest defeats in history. Mo Salah became the highest-ever scorer for Liverpool with 129 goals for the club. Ten Hagg tried a change of plans with substitutions in the 57th minute but that only increased the problems further as no player was able to match the intensity of that of Liverpool.
How this game could affect both the teams
It was a massive boost for Liverpool, aiming the champions league spot and also facing Real Madrid in the second leg of the R 16 for the champions league. 2022/23 season was a one to forget for Liverpool but they have things to fight for from now on, building a unit and reorganize for future.
The new signings this season getting on the scoresheet in a big game will help them adjust and set in Klopp’s plan for the future.
Manchester United on the other hand, were in top form after years and still in contention for the FA cup and Europa league after winning the Carabao Cup.
This game could stand as a reality check for United and Ten hagg to slow down and not look upon every team as toe to toe because a lot of work still needs to be done for reaching the top level.
Manager’s View on the game
After the game, Erik ten Hagg said that “We were better in the first half with two 1 on 1 chances. We later made mistakes in organization and conceded in the first half. We were still in the game but I was surprised that we gave away the game so quickly in the second half.
“We made immensely bad decisions with the ball. We were also totally unprofessional in making decisions in following in, giving away spaces on the whole pitch, moving forward and not tracking back.
“We had to stick together to defend goals but did not. It was a surprise for me. But I believe in this team, we’ll bounce like we have shown in the previous weeks.”
Klopp was delighted and reacted saying, “That was a top performance from us in a very long time. Two quick goals in the second half and the boys were flying from then. We have all the players available and it was helpful. Everyone saw how good the boys can be.
“Nobody was in doubt about Darwin’s future impact when he settles and also Cody (Gakpo) while playing in the most difficult area of the pitch with midfielders around. We have to keep going in the future to make this result count.”
