Man United retain high spot after Liverpool draw

LONDON, Jan 17 — Manchester United held onto high spot within the Premier League after Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker pressured them to accept a 0-Zero draw, whereas Manchester Metropolis powered into second place with a 4-Zero rout of Crystal Palace yesterday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s aspect had the higher possibilities in a surprisingly subdued conflict between two of English soccer’s bitterest rivals. Alisson saved nicely from Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba within the second half, however neither aspect deserved to win. United are two factors away from second positioned Manchester Metropolis, who’ve a recreation in hand, and third positioned Leicester.

Champions Liverpool are an additional level again in fourth. United are high after the New 12 months for the primary time since Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 due to 9 wins in a 12-match unbeaten run. Leaving Anfield unscathed is a stable outcome as they chase a primary title in eight years, however United would possibly really feel it was a missed alternative to pile strain on injury-hit Liverpool given their current struggles. “It’s solely an excellent outcome if we win the subsequent recreation. It was a possibility missed with the probabilities we had however then once more we have been taking part in an excellent aspect,” Solskjaer stated.

I feel we grew within the recreation and towards the tip it was there for us to win. We created two large possibilities and it was two good saves by the keeper.” It’s the first time these two outdated foes have been concerned in a title race collectively since 2009. However there was little really feel of a seismic encounter as each groups largely performed with the handbrake on at an empty and silent Anfield. Liverpool are nicely wanting the dynamic type that carried them to the title final season and the Champions League in 2019. Jurgen Klopp’s staff have now gone 4 league video games with no win and are with no objective of their final three top-flight matches. “There isn’t any straightforward clarification. We all the time missed possibilities, even within the video games we received, we simply had one other one which we used,” Klopp stated. “We needed to be good to get some extent. I feel we have been ok to get three factors however we didn’t rating.”

Slick Metropolis

The draw at Anfield was the proper outcome for Metropolis, who took benefit on the Etihad Stadium with their fifth successive league victory. Pep Guardiola’s staff scored within the 26th minute when Kevin De Bruyne’s majestic cross with the surface of his foot picked out John Stones and the defender headed his first Premier League objective for Metropolis. Metropolis, unbeaten of their final 15 video games in all competitions, doubled their lead 11 minutes into the second half when Ilkay Gundogan curled into the highest nook. Stones struck once more within the 68th minute, blasting residence after Ruben Dias’ header was saved, and Raheem Sterling made it 4 with an 88th minute free-kick. “We have been so steady. It’s an essential victory,” Guardiola stated. “We attempt to play the identical means we’ve in the previous few seasons and within the again 4 we don’t make errors. Final yr was the worst.

“If there may be one participant I’m greater than happy that all the pieces goes nicely, it’s John Stones. He deserves it.” Tanguy Ndombele’s gorgeous strike sealed Tottenham’s 3-1 win at Sheffield United. Jose Mourinho’s aspect took an early lead via a uncommon objective from Ivory Coast defender Serge Aurier. Harry Kane’s 19th objective of the season elevated Tottenham’s benefit earlier than half-time. David McGoldrick received one again for backside of the desk United within the second half, however Ndombele’s chic lob, flicked over his shoulder from an acute angle, wrapped up the factors. Ndombele’s wonderful type is a stark distinction to his struggles in his first season after arriving from Lyon, with Mourinho admitting the participant needed to change his mindset to get again on monitor.

He’s unbelievable. For me typically you may rating an incredible objective remoted out of your efficiency. On this case the objective confirmed his efficiency. It was actually, actually good,” Mourinho stated. Fifth positioned Tottenham are on a seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions after successful at Bramall Lane for the primary time since 1975. ­— AFP

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