Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League table courtesy a second half brace by Xherdan Shaqiri, who inspired a 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday.
The Reds were on top, pretty much from the get-go, creating the bulk of the chances before finally grabbing a well deserved lead in the 25th minute through Sadio Mane. Manchester United though, hit back less than ten minutes later, as Alisson Becker’s failed attempt to catch Romelu Lukaku’s shot ended with a goal by Jesse Lingard.
But, it was all Liverpool in the second half, with the visitors only managing to grab half chances. And, Xherdan Shaqiri went on to change the game upon his introduction in the 70th minute, although he did need a slice of luck for each of the goals he scored, with his shots deflecting off Ashley Young and Eric Bailly before they beat David de Gea.
In the end, however, it was a well deserved win for the hosts, who are now 19 points clear of Manchester United, sitting pretty atop the Premier League table. And, Liverpool fans took to Twitter to rejoice following their triumph at Anfield while also trolling the Red Devils.
On a night when Fabinho shines so bright in midfield and Shaqiri is having fun on our own backyard, Red is Liverpool.
You gotta trust Klopp for his subs, eh?
Back to top. We go again next week #YNWA ?
— Ayunda Zikrina (@Ayunda_Zi) December 16, 2018
Man United lost to Valencia. Made 10 changes and lost to Liverpool…
I’m starting to think, it’s not the players ??
— Scotty Tridge ?? (@ScottTridge) December 16, 2018
The bus couldn't stop the reds today ?? #Liverpool #Shaqiri pic.twitter.com/SQA8MAAqtH
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) December 16, 2018
•Liverpool – 45 Points
•Man City – 44 Points
•Spurs – 39 Points
•Chelsea – 37 Points
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•Man United – 26 Points #LIVMUN #LFC pic.twitter.com/bERSUmvf8g— Irvin (@LfcOkk) December 16, 2018
When you’re witnessing a power shift and Liverpool are taking over. pic.twitter.com/fPWz8ofZez
— JurgenPressed. (@JurgenPressed) December 16, 2018
Xherdan Shaqiri turned the game on its head upon being introduced by Jurgen Klopp, and Liverpool fans hailed his contribution.
Coming off the bench to score twice against Manchester United, beautiful. pic.twitter.com/rUXmLpIjJF
— Nic (@LiverpoolNicola) December 16, 2018
Wed December 7th, 2011: Xherdan Shaqiri makes two assists in Basel's 2-1 win over Man Utd – sends United out of Champions League.
Sun December 16th, 2018: Xherdan Shaqiri subbed on in the 70th minute and scores two goals to get LFC the win against Man Utd.Man United killer. pic.twitter.com/v8H7HmZ5Zg
— Maxi (@MaaxiAngelo) December 16, 2018
"SHAQIRI STILL THERE?" pic.twitter.com/iP1ILhPoQQ
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) December 16, 2018
Did you doubt Xherdan Shaqiri as a big game player?
Shouldn’t have. #LFC pic.twitter.com/cDuk08L3DV
— Nic Mason (@MrNickMason) December 16, 2018
Shaqiri is so underrated. He’s border line world class.
— 10 (@sadioo10) December 16, 2018
But, the hot topic of the evening was the reactions towards the two managers. Manchester United fans are starting to call for Jose Mourinho’s head, while Jurgen Klopp is the darling of the Kop.
Paul Pogba is one of the best football players in the world. He's easily in the top five most fun to watch.
We talk about it a lot and yet we still don't spend enough time talking about how Mourinho's benching him is an unforgivable offense against football.
— Michael "Chopsy Mug" Caley (@MC_of_A) December 16, 2018
It’s getting harder to defend Jose Mourinho; limp surrender away to both City and now Liverpool, and 11 points from fourth place before Christmas. We are now in the end game…
— Sam Pilger (@sampilger) December 16, 2018
Klopp this month:
Brings Origi on vs Everton, scores 5 minutes later.
Brings Firmino on vs Burnley, scores 5 minutes later.
Brings Shaqiri on vs Man United, scores 5 minutes later.
Genius. ? #LFC #YNWA #LIVMUN pic.twitter.com/czNg6ha1DM
— TheKop.com (@TheKop_com) December 16, 2018
The only person who still wants Jose at United is the manager of the Lowry.
— United Religion (@Unitedology) December 16, 2018
Jurgen Klopp rarely gets credit for tactics but he completely flummoxed Jose Mourinho by going 4-4-2. Ruined United’s set up and game plan from minute one.
— Ste Hoare (@stehoare) December 16, 2018
At 1-1 Klopp sent on Shaqiri to win the game.
At 1-1 Mourinho sent on Fellaini to stifle it#mufc #lfc— James Robson (@jamesrobsonES) December 16, 2018
Enough is enough ?where do you start,I ain’t got a clue,is going to be a long long road,what ever happens next,but Christ,show some heart and passion,it’s Liverpool away,I’d run through brick walls to carry the kit onto the coach to be involved
— Darren Webb (@United_Webby) December 16, 2018
Net spends:
Mourinho – £310M
Klopp – £112MThe fact that Klopp has formed a team that has dismantled Man United today and is now 19 points ahead of them in the league, despite losing his best player & spending £198M less, is what hammers home the huge gulf between the 2 managers
— Raj Chohan (@rajsinghchohan) December 16, 2018
This man is building something special. #Klopp #LFC pic.twitter.com/JF8DdotP0j
— Patrick (@B2Life33) December 16, 2018