The first five minutes of the competition are filled with shots for both teams, and the action moves quickly. Mohamed Salah hits a beautiful ball that André Onana saves, giving Dominik Szoboszlai an incredible appearance. This has the feel of a derby, for sure. The good news is that United appears far more vulnerable than they had been in their prior games this season, at least for Liverpool.

With little under ten minutes remaining, “control” is the Reds’ buzzword of the day. Liverpool doesn’t appear to be in danger; rather, they’ve been a little careless lately, giving up possession far too cheaply and making passes that go begging.

Shortly after writing that, Liverpool gains the longest period of possession they’ve ever had, which helps to sap United’s energy and cause some issues. The Reds are still in break, and it’s obvious that the boys want to move the ball forward as soon as they get possession.

SCOOP!!! Darwin Nuñez flicks the ball on from a corner, and Luis Díaz scores. Lucho finishes brilliantly, putting the ball past three United defenders who are assigned to defend the goal.

Although things have somewhat calmed down, Liverpool is still having an impact on the match. They have the lead going into halftime after playing fantastic defense that virtually stifles United.

Liverpool’s challenge will be to keep up the kind of control they showed to end the game. At the break, neither team made any changes.

Objective. Fernandes, Bruno. Liverpool starts the half a little too slowly and pays the price for it. To guarantee all the points, the Reds will probably create a lot of shots in this half, and they will need to convert at least one of them. This result belies the wastefulness of a few misplayed passes, such as the break that finished with Darwin crossing the ball rather than playing it to Szoboszlai.

Change of place. Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones replace Dominik Szoboszlai and Conor Bradley. Bradley’s substitution was always expected because the youthful defender received a yellow card somewhat early in the first half.

Objective. Mainoo. The build-up to United’s second goal is devoid of any hint of the carelessness or lack of resolve displayed by Liverpool in their closing passes, as they locate the young midfielder with good space just inside the 18 before he curls it into the top corner.

Change of place. Wataru Endo and Darwin Nuñez are replaced by Harvey Elliott and Cody Gakpo. To win all three points, the guys are going to have to put in a lot of effort.

Although Liverpool still has the ball, United’s defense is holding strong. Mo has a chance when Díaz’s shot is saved, but he misses it. While it’s true that Mo seems off-key once more, it’s also important to remember that he’s performing during Ramadan.

Penalty. Wan-Bissaka knocks Harvey Elliott down, and Liverpool is given a penalty. Salah will accept.

SCOOP!!! Mo Salah sends Onana the wrong way and converts the penalty. Huge objective, particularly in light of his recent troubles at the spot.

Usually, after that, the game becomes less engaging. Still, there were a few missed opportunities for both teams and some emotional tugging. Two all wins at the end.