Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League table after securing a well-earned 3-1 victory over Manchester United.
For Liverpool the task was clear heading into the game, with Manchester City having come out victorious in their fixture on Saturday the Reds needed all three points against their rivals to return to the summit.
A number of injuries across the park saw Jurgen Klopp hand Nathaniel Clyne his first appearance for the season, while Fabinho and Naby Keita returned to the starting lineup after featuring off the bench against Napoli.
A frantic start saw Liverpool take the reigns and flex their muscles as they forced Man United to make sloppy errors in possession as they turned the screw and penned the visitors in their own half.
Liverpool’s relentless effort paid off soon after as Sadio Mane latched onto Fabinho‘s pinpoint delivery and calmly dispatched the ball beyond an on rushing David De Gea to hand the Reds a deserved lead.
The early dominance from Klopp’s men made Man United hide in their shells as they struggled to get a foot hold in the game.
However, it was only for a rare blunder from Alisson which handed them a lifeline and gave them the license to frustrate Liverpool before and after half time.
Tension started to creep in as the minutes ticked by and Man United‘s antics continued deep into the last 45 – but then in stepped ‘super sub’ Xherdan Shaqiri.
The Swiss attacker replaced Naby Keita with 20 minutes of play remaining, but he only needed 10 to put the result beyond doubt.
Two deflected shots within the space of seven minutes took Liverpool from the brink of a draw to collecting all three points and returning to the top of the table.
His inspired performance led to mass celebrations on the final whistle as Liverpool clinched their 14th win of the Premier League season.
Liverpool will now turn their attention to yet another crucial league fixture as a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers awaits on Friday.
