The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Becker to rescue in dull draw
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker came to his side’s rescue to preserve Liverpool’s unbeaten home league record in a goalless draw at home to arch-rivals Manchester United yesterday.
The top-of-the-table clash between England’s two most decorated clubs never got close to fulfilling its billing, with the best quality on show being that from the Liverpool keeper, who denied Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba in the second half.
Manager Jurgen Klopp’s 200th Premier League match in charge – and his 100th at Anfield – will not live long in the memory, with a predictable seventh draw in the last 10 meetings between these sides.
The stalemate maintained United’s place at the top of the Premier League table, although their three-point advantage was cut to two after Leicester’s win on Saturday, which also meant Liverpool are down to fourth.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “They are a good side and they have some injury problems but we didn’t pounce on that.”
Reds boss Klopp said: “I think our performance was good enough to win it.”
● John Stones scored twice as Manchester City thrashed Crystal Palace 4-0 to leap up to second.
Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling also hit fine goals as City overpowered a Palace side missing chief inspiration Wilfried Zaha at the Etihad Stadium.
The victory was City’s fifth in succession in the league and lifted them above champions Liverpool.
Also with a game in hand on leaders Manchester United, their title credentials are growing.
● Tanguy Ndombele’s moment of magic helped Tottenham ease to a much-needed 3-1 win at rock-bottom Sheffield United.
The club’s record signing produced an outrageous flicked finish at a vital point of the second half to restore Spurs’ two-goal lead and help them clinch just their second Premier League win in seven.
The Blades had just got back into the game through David Mcgoldrick’s header after first-half Serge Aurier and Harry Kane goals had put the visitors in command.