'Off completely': ESPN pundit says Liverpool did two things vs Manchester United that he hasn't seen all season

Yesterday at 03:00 AM

Liverpool could only manage a point against Manchester United as the Reds played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against their oldest rivals in English football.

A late Amad Diallo equaliser cancelled out Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah’s earlier goals to put Liverpool ahead after Lisandro Martinez opened the scoring for the Red Devils in the second-half at Anfield.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold slated by the likes of Roy Keane, it was a performance that some Liverpool players will want to forget quickly, though Alexis Mac Allister was lauded by Jamie Carragher for his display against United.

Yet Steve Nicol has now highlighted two things Liverpool did against United that the Reds haven’t done all season.

Passing and control went out the window for Liverpool vs Manchester United

Speaking on ESPN FC, the pundit noted how Liverpool’s passing was completely off against United, with Nicol also criticising the Reds for lacking the tempo Arne Slot’s side have usually had this season to get Ruben Amorim and his down-trodden team.

With Carragher noting that Liverpool are becoming too leaky at the back having conceded twice against United last night, the Merseyside giants will know that their performance was one to forget, and the problems seem to be deeper than just allowing in easy goals.

Nicol said when analysing Liverpool’s performance vs United: “Liverpool did two things today that they haven’t done all season; the passing was off completely, they’ve been so good with the ball, so slick, so accurate, but that completely disappeared.

“The other thing they’ve done for 99% of the season is they’ve been in control of almost every game. They’ve had the tempo, they’ve had the opportunities, they’ve defended, but every good thing Liverpool have done this season went straight out the window.”

Liverpool need to bounce back in a big way in upcoming games

January is set to be a hectic month for Liverpool with the League Cup semi-finals, FA Cup third-round and final UEFA Champions League games all coming up for the Reds in the coming weeks.

And after a disappointing result and performance against United, Liverpool will want to bounce back with a vengeance in their upcoming games, with Newcastle United this week a perfect test for the Reds.

Indeed, Liverpool have the quality and the depth to send an immediate response to rival teams, and other games against Brentford and Ipswich Town should give the Reds the confidence boost they need to claim vital points.