Liverpool came from behind to salvage a point against arch rivals Manchester United, as their perfect start to the Premier League season came to a halt.
Liverpool’s winning start to the 2019-20 Premier League campaign came to an end on Sunday, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by arch rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Marcus Rashford opened the scoring for the Red Devils in the 37th minute after a debatable decision from the referee to dismiss a potential foul on Divock Origi in the build-up to the goal, which was upheld by VAR. Liverpool seemed to have equalized soon after through Sadio Mane, but VAR was in action again, overturning the goal for a handball.
Jurgen Klopp’s men huffed and puffed in search of an equalizer for most of the second period and it finally came in the 85th minute through substitute Adam Lallana. The result meant Liverpool’s perfect start to the season came to a halt, but they remain unbeaten in the league.
Naturally, the fans were left furious by some of the calls by referee Martin Atkinson and the VAR. And they took to Twitter to vent out their frustration;
Solid point against 12 men and the computer
— MB (@MrBoywunder) October 20, 2019
Okay fair enough we played terribly today but Martin Atkinson was disgraceful, should be out of a job.
— ? (@AnfieldAura) October 20, 2019
Referee abysmal. Every slight touch it’s a United freekick. Fouls the other way, not given. The most one sided refereeing performance I can remember. Time for him to retire. Mané handball was correct decision
— Jürgen Meister?? (@SS_LFC) October 20, 2019
you forgot the VAR room. It’s actually 16.
— Bee (@IcyBRL) October 20, 2019
Least we know 13 men can’t beat us ?
— Petz (@DonpetzAdejorin) October 20, 2019
Disappointed with a point but with the way we played and the fact Atkinson was Utds 12th player I’ll take a point
— Wyatt (@WootenWyatt) October 20, 2019
FT: Manchester United 1 #LFC 1: Lallana’s late goal salvages a point for Liverpool at Old Trafford. No record equalling 18th successive PL win for Klopp’s men. Dealt a bad hand by VAR shambles and Atkinson was abysmal but the leaders way below their usual standards.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) October 20, 2019
Poor performance. VAR a disaster but failed to open United up. Disappointing not to get a winner late on but a point gained overall. Keita a plus, showed great energy and willingness to create chances demanding the ball.
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) October 20, 2019
Not seen Liverpool play that badly in a long, long time. Referee woeful, VAR non existent. A big point considering the performance.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) October 20, 2019
Something doesn’t seems okay in the VAR room ??#MUNLIV pic.twitter.com/u2kIfsW5J0
— Jagaban of Africa???? (@Ecollins10) October 20, 2019
Lallana was praised for making an impact coming on the bench, while a lot fans were unhappy with the performance of captain Jordan Henderson and called for him to be dropped from the lineup.
I think it’s fair to say he’s received a lot of criticism from fans and even though he barely plays, he hasn’t complained and always puts a shift in.
And now, he’s won us a point at Old Trafford.
Adam Lallana, you’ve earned my respect. pic.twitter.com/CZrRLn43Yl
— Laurie (@LFCLaurie) October 20, 2019
Adam Lallana, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita changed the game today. We can’t constantly continue with the midfield that we started, their lack of creativity was massively clear to see this afternoon.
— Matt (@FalseFMatt) October 20, 2019
Lallana. Showed up when it mattered. #LFC #MUNLIV #Liverpool pic.twitter.com/BPjSGC0bzD
— LFC Photo (@LFCphoto) October 20, 2019
Massive performance from Lallana. Came on and made a real difference – as did Oxlade Chamberlain and Keita. Filled the void in creativity.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) October 20, 2019
Jordan Henderson worst player on the pitch. And it’s not close.
That follows him being hauled off the pitch vs Sheffield United & Salzburg. And his dreadful performance vs Czech Republic for England
He doesn’t suit playing as an advanced midfielder & it’s pretty obvious.
— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) October 20, 2019
Said it for years, Gerrard doesn’t get subbed in a game. Especially in a game like that. Jordan Henderson should not be our captain.
— Sarah Orford (@Sarah_Orford) October 20, 2019
Why is Jordan Henderson still kicking ball for my club?
— Ahmed (@ahmedIfc) October 20, 2019
Henderson has regressed to a point he’s never been at. 100% his worst form for us ever
— Carlos Sainz Jr. fan account (@PsychoRelic_) October 20, 2019