Liverpool delivered a masterful performance at Anfield, trouncing their arch-rivals Manchester United 7-0 in the 240th edition of the North-West derby. The victory strengthens their pursuit of a seventh consecutive top-four finish and is sure to go down as a legendary display.
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Eager to avenge their August defeat at Old Trafford, Liverpool dominated the early exchanges. However, it was Bruno Fernandes who missed the first golden opportunity of the game, heading narrowly wide from six yards out. The first half was scrappy, but Cody Gakpo gave Liverpool the lead just before half-time with a composed finish from ten yards.
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The second half was a different story altogether. Darwin Núñez doubled Liverpool’s lead soon after the restart, converting a cross from youngster Harvey Elliott. The Reds then went on to dismantle United with three more goals in quick succession. Mohamed Salah and Gakpo combined brilliantly for the third, with the Dutchman lobbing David de Gea to put Liverpool in dreamland. Salah then scored a stunning howitzer from outside the box to become the first Liverpool player to score in six consecutive appearances against Manchester United. Núñez then grabbed his second of the game with a powerful header.
Liverpool were relentless, and Roberto Firmino and Salah scored two more goals to complete the rout. The seven-goal haul was Liverpool’s first against United since April 1916 and leaves the visitors 14 points behind their neighbors Manchester City. The defeat seriously damages United’s title ambitions and leaves them in a precarious position.
Liverpool’s players were outstanding, but Cody Gakpo stood out as the Man of the Match. The victory will give Liverpool a massive boost in confidence as they continue to pursue a top-four finish. Meanwhile, United will have to regroup and analyze their performance to bounce back from such a devastating defeat.
