Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw against Manchester United over the weekend, with key players missing numerous chances

Mohamed Salah has been criticised in years gone by for his greediness and desire to be the match-winner at Liverpool. However, the Egypt winger does not appear to be the most selfish player in the Reds’ ranks anymore, with Cody Gakpo taking that crown.

Cody Gakpo missed several chances against United

Jamie Carragher sounded frustrated with Gakpo on Sky Sports

Liverpool have enjoyed a strong start to the season but wasted the opportunity to reclaim their spot at the top of the Premier League on Sunday when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Manchester United.

Jurgen Klopp’s side truly underwhelmed at Anfield, failing to craft any clear-cut opportunities and wasting possession in dangerous areas. Liverpool were particularly poor when they made space on the edge of the United area, firing numerous harmless strikes at Andre Onana rather than trying to work a more dangerous chance.

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Gakpo was among those to throw possession away, with the Netherlands international having two poor strikes that both missed the target when there were better options to his left and right.

On one occasion, ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher sounded visibly frustrated by Gakpo’s decision-making, having criticised Salah earlier in the match after he tried to cut the ball onto his left foot to shoot rather than crossing the ball into a dangerous area.

After Gakpo’s shot, Carragher exclaimed: “No! Gakpo, that is so poor. I’ve said this about Mo Salah, he’s been locked out on the edge of the box so far and he’s still thinking about shooting even though it’s clearly not on. Just move the ball on, don’t force chances!

“A little bit of quality and Liverpool have a chance but Gakpo just shoots, he’s got Joe Gomez on the outside who has made a really good run, just pass it. (Curtis) Jones isn’t happy, his Liverpool teammates need to tell him.”

After winning games with late goals in recent weeks, which many analysts have cited as an unsustainable attempt to unseat Manchester City, Liverpool will need to improve if they want to solidify their position as title contenders. Particularly Darwin Nunez needs to get back to his best after a lackluster showing against United.

The Uruguayan international attempted to link up play by dropping deep rather than making many dangerous runs in behind the Red Devils’ defense, but that too failed as the former Benfica player threw several passes that left Liverpool without a focal point in their attack.