Once again Mourinho’s ‘safety paramount policy’ helped to frustrate Liverpool at Anfield as Mourinho’s Manchester United held Klopp’s Liverpool to a thrilling goalless match, ensuring the visitors remain unbeaten.
Manchester United’s goalkeeper, David De Gea made a brilliant save to deny Joel Matip in the 37th minute with Liverpool Mignolet doing same minutes later to deny Lukaku, ensuring both sides go goalless at the end of the first half.
While United were not offensive in the game, Ander Herrera alongside Nemanja Matic were stationed in the centre to check the excess of Liverpool’s playmaker, Phillipe Coutinho, restricting the Brazilian from penetrating through the line.
Liverpool appeared to control possession but United felt contented with their counter attack moves. The combination of the Brazilian duo, Coutinho and Firmino however put Mourinho and the defensive line on suspense whenever they made a move.
The second half saw Coutinho try to attack from a different angle as Liverpool pressed further in search of a goal but to no avail despite bringing in Daniel Sturridge, Chamberlain and Dominic.
Manchester United however had no shot on target in the second half with Lukaku’s dreams of becoming the first Man. United player to find the net in his first eight matches in the EPL dashed.
Mourinho, whose style has been never to lose against the big teams, had his mission accomplished.
Speaking after the match, Mourinho complained about the injuries as reason for the outcome of the match.
“The opposition was good today, but we played our game. In the first half we had a couple of very good chances and good control of the game.
“In the second half Matic tired and I had no solutions on the bench. I tried with my substitutions to make us more dynamic in attack, but in reality we lost power and energy and control in midfield.
“I needed my bench, and I didn’t have a bench.”
Jurgen Klopp however did not criticize the pattern adopted by Mourinho in the game.
“For sure you could not play this way at Liverpool but it’s OK for Manchester United.”
Manchester United remains second on the EPL table with 20 points from eight matches, behind Manchester City on 23 points having played eight matches with a 7-2 whitewashing over visiting Stokes City.
Liverpool after the draw occupies the sixth position with 13 points from eight matches, with one win in their last five matches.
