FIRST HALF – DIAZ DOUBLE DENTS REDS’ BID

United started brightly, buoyed by our enthusiastic fans, but Alisson was never in trouble in the visitors’ goal.

Out of nowhere, Liverpool’s first real attack seemed to have produced the opener. Ryan Gravenberch got into space to set up Diaz and his cross was tipped away by Salah before Alexander-Arnold cleared his shot. The ball had crossed the line before Diogo Dalot intervened and the England defender celebrated by kissing the TV camera. His joy was premature this time, however, as VAR ruled Salah offside as Diaz centred.

It was a clear letdown for Erik ten Hag’s team, however, and things were evenly matched for a while after that. Chances were few and far between, although the proceedings remained entertaining, before the Merseysiders made the breakthrough in the 35th minute. Casemiro’s pass was intercepted by Gravenberch, creating a five-on-three situation. Gravenberch picked out Salah and his cross was headed in by Diaz at the far post, beating Dominik Szoboszlai.

The Reds’ only shot of the half was mishandled by Alisson. Noussair Mazraoui’s shot went through the legs of Virgil van Dijk after a Bruno Fernandes cross came back to him, but the Whites were on hand to clear it.

And it got worse in the 42nd minute when Casemiro was brought down by Diaz with most of the pitch expecting a free-kick to be awarded. When referee Anthony Taylor allowed play to continue, Salah was able to provide another assist with Diaz’s first-time shot past Andre Onana’s left hand. Replays showed that Diaz did indeed touch the ball in the challenge and there was no suggestion that VAR would intervene this time.