One of the defining characteristics of Liverpool under Arne Slot was their desire for control. While Jurgen Klopp introduced high-energy, heavy-metal football, his successor preferred to keep things low-key. Simply put, the Dutchman did not want his team to get caught up in a fast-paced game.
Therefore, Slot will not be satisfied with the frequency of Liverpool losing possession against Man United. The "Red Brigade" often lost the ball and allowed the opponent to create high-value scoring opportunities.
Before this match, Liverpool were expected to once again "blow away" Man United at home at Anfield. Moreover, coach Ruben Amorim's team had lost 3 consecutive matches in the Premier League before facing Liverpool.
However, just as they did at Anfield last season, United managed to frustrate the hosts, while also providing some threat at the other end of the pitch.
There was never a point in the game where Liverpool really dominated Man United for any sustained period. The home side's dominance was fleeting.
For neutrals, it's a fascinating game, but Slot will be worried about the Red Devils sowing the seeds of unrest among his players.
Andy Robertson's poor pass to Ryan Gravenberch, which went wide when Liverpool needed a decisive goal in the 95th minute, was typical of the hosts' somewhat inconsistent performance.
The draw with Man United means Liverpool are now six points clear of second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand. Asked whether the result felt like a loss of two points, Slot said:
"Of course, for us it feels like two points lost. I think for a lot of people, what sticks in their minds is what happened at the end. And that was a big chance for Harry Maguire. But I think what people forget is that two minutes ago Virgil van Dijk had a big chance to make it 3-2.
Ultimately, it was a difficult game, maybe a bit like the Nottingham Forest game, where both teams' style of play was to defend in a low block with a lot of players. It's not always easy to play against that style of football."
