The Reds boss made a series of head-scratching substitutions at Old Trafford, meaning his side struggled to break down Manchester United. Liverpool moved back to the top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford, but with the hosts succumbing to a series of first-half injuries it felt like two points dropped for Jurgen Klopp’s side. That Manchester City went onto lift the Carabao Cup a few hours later adds to the sense that momentum shifted in the reigning champions’ favour on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Claude Puel was relieved of his duties at Leicester City following yet another home defeat, while Maurizio Sarri finally relaxed his principles at Wembley – only for Kepa Arrizabalaga’s rebellion to overshadow Chelsea’s tactics. Liverpool’s failure to capitalise on Man Utd’s injury problems during a game in which they held a clear psychological advantage could end up costing them the title – and Jurgen Klopp has to take the blame!
The Reds coach failed to turn the match in their favour, with all three of his substitutions ultimately reshaping the match to the hosts’ advantage. By the time Roberto Firmino withdrew through injury in the 31st minute, it was clear Liverpool lacked creative guile in the final third, with Man Utd’s deep block successfully stifling the front three. But, rather than bring on Xherdan Shaqiri, Klopp went with Daniel Sturridge, who was largely anonymous.
The second substitution had a particularly negative impact. By withdrawing Jordan Henderson for Shaqiri and switching to 4-4-2, Klopp badly disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm; without their screening midfielder, Liverpool could no longer pen Man Utd in for long periods, while in an unusually flat formation they stopped building carefully into the final third.
After Henderson left the pitch Liverpool failed to record a single shot on goal.To compound a day of tactical errors, Klopp then withdrew Mohamed Salah for Divock Origi, who managed just three touches of the ball.