Manchester United Ends Anfield Hoodoo with 2-1 Win Against Liverpool
Manchester United ended its nine-year wait for a win at Anfield with a 2-1 victory against Premier League defending champion Liverpool on Sunday. The win came courtesy of Harry Maguire’s header in the 84th minute, sealing one of United’s most significant wins under coach Ruben Amorim and consigning Liverpool to a fourth straight defeat in all competitions.
The Significance of the Win
The frustration of so many miserable experiences on Merseyside appeared to pour out of Maguire as the defender celebrated in front of United’s traveling fans. "It means everything. They’ve had the better of us over the last few years and we know that and it hasn’t been good enough for our club," Maguire said. "The old cliche is that it is only three points, but it definitely isn’t. It means a lot more than that for the club, the boys and the fans."
A Frenetic and Thrilling Match
Maguire’s goal came late in another frenetic and thrilling match involving Liverpool in a season of dramatic finales for Arne Slot’s team. That’s three league games in a row in which Liverpool has been beaten by a goal scored in the last 10 minutes of regulation time or beyond. Before that, it had scraped to late wins of its own in six of the first seven games.
Problems for Liverpool
United’s last win at Anfield came back in 2016 when Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the match. Since then there have been some humiliating defeats, notably the 7-0 rout in 2023 and a 4-0 loss a year earlier. Not only has Amorim ended that bitter run, but he also collected back-to-back wins in the league for the first time since taking over at United last November.
Pressure on Amorim Eased
The Portuguese coach has been under increasing pressure, with speculation mounting over his position after a troubled start to his first full season in charge. While United is ninth in the standings, it is only two points off the top four and such a morale-boosting performance could finally prove a turning point for Amorim. Defeat for Liverpool raises more doubts about its wobbling title defense, leaving it fourth and four points behind leader Arsenal.
Weaknesses in Liverpool’s Team
Liverpool has only kept two clean sheets in 12 games in all competitions this season and a creaking defense continues to be breached late on in games. In attack, Mohamed Salah’s only goal in his last seven league games was a penalty against Burnley, while British record signing Alexander Isak has only scored one goal in seven appearances since joining from Newcastle. "We have to stick together. Not just as players but the fans and everyone," said Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. "First and foremost we have to stay humble, and stay working. We need to keep our confidence high and stay very calm."
Other Premier League Action
Emi Buendia’s curling shot sealed a 2-1 comeback win for Aston Villa against Tottenham. The victory continued Villa’s resurgence after a desperate start to the season and denied Spurs the chance to provisionally move up to second in the standings. Buendia shimmied his way across the edge of the box in the 77th minute at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before sweeping a perfect shot low into the bottom corner.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s win at Anfield marks a significant turning point for the club and its coach, Ruben Amorim. The victory ends a nine-year wait for a win at Liverpool’s home ground and provides a much-needed boost to United’s season. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s defeat raises concerns about its title defense and highlights the weaknesses in its team.
FAQs
- Q: Who scored the winning goal for Manchester United against Liverpool?
A: Harry Maguire scored the winning goal for Manchester United against Liverpool in the 84th minute. - Q: What is the significance of Manchester United’s win at Anfield?
A: Manchester United’s win at Anfield ends a nine-year wait for a win at Liverpool’s home ground and provides a much-needed boost to United’s season. - Q: What are the implications of Liverpool’s defeat for its title defense?
A: Liverpool’s defeat raises concerns about its title defense and leaves it fourth in the standings, four points behind leader Arsenal. - Q: Who else had a significant win in the Premier League?
A: Aston Villa had a significant win, coming back from behind to defeat Tottenham 2-1 courtesy of Emi Buendia’s curling shot.
