FIRST HALF – DIAZ DOUBLE DENTS REDS’ BID

United made a energetic begin, roared on by our passionate help, however with out troubling Alisson within the guests’ aim.

Out of nowhere, Liverpool’s first actual assault appeared to have produced the opening aim. Ryan Gravenberch superior into area to feed Diaz and his cross flicked off Salah earlier than Alexander-Arnold acquired his shot away. The ball was over the road earlier than Diogo Dalot’s intervention and the England defender celebrated by kissing the TV digicam. Nevertheless, his pleasure was untimely on this event, as VAR dominated Salah was offside when Diaz centred.

It was a transparent let off, although, for Erik ten Hag’s aspect and issues have been fairly even for a spell afterwards. There have been treasured few probabilities, even when occasions did stay entertaining, earlier than the Merseysiders made the breakthrough on 35 minutes. Casemiro’s go was intercepted by Gravenberch and sparked a five-on-three state of affairs. Gravenberch picked out Salah and his cross on the run was nodded in by Diaz on the far submit, beating Dominik Szoboszlai to the punch.

The Reds’ solely shot of the half was mishandled by Alisson, as Noussair Mazraoui’s strike went by way of Virgil van Dijk’s legs after Bruno Fernandes’s cross rebounded to him, however there have been white shirts available to clear.

And issues acquired worse, within the forty second minute, when Casemiro was felled by Diaz and a lot of the floor anticipated a free-kick to be awarded. When referee Anthony Taylor waved play on, Salah was once more capable of provide an help with Diaz’s first-time end swept previous Andre Onana’s left hand. Replays confirmed Diaz did get a contact on the ball within the problem and there was no suggestion VAR would intervene this time.