Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral's post-match review of Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, 19 October 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

In a thrilling encounter at Anfield, Manchester United managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Liverpool, extending their winning streak to three games. The match was a testament to United's resilience, as they scored early through an unnamed player in the 2nd minute and sealed the win with another goal in the 84th minute. For Liverpool, the loss marks their third consecutive defeat, a worrying trend that has seen them struggle against Chelsea and Crystal Palace in recent weeks. Despite a late goal in the 78th minute, Liverpool couldn't overturn the deficit, leaving fans and pundits alike surprised at their inability to capitalise on home advantage.

The result was particularly unexpected given Liverpool's strong possession and attacking play throughout the match. Manchester United's tactical discipline and clinical finishing were the deciding factors, with their early goal setting the tone for the game. Liverpool's C. Gakpo was a standout performer, scoring the only goal for his team, but it wasn't enough to salvage a point. This defeat will undoubtedly prompt a reassessment of Liverpool's strategy as they look to halt their losing streak and regain their form.

The statistics from the match paint an interesting picture, with Liverpool dominating possession at 63% compared to Manchester United's 37%. Despite this, United managed to secure the win, highlighting their efficiency in front of goal. Liverpool's nine corners to United's four suggest they had more opportunities to score, yet they were unable to convert these chances into goals. The yellow card count, with United receiving two and Liverpool none, indicates a more disciplined performance from the home side, but it was United's two assists that ultimately made the difference in this closely contested match.

The game's early stages set the tone when Manchester United scored in the 2nd minute, putting Liverpool on the back foot from the outset. This early goal forced Liverpool to chase the game, and despite their efforts, they struggled to break down United's defence. The match's decisive moment came in the 84th minute when Manchester United scored again, effectively sealing the victory and leaving Liverpool with a mountain to climb in the closing stages.

Liverpool's response came in the 78th minute when C. Gakpo found the back of the net, reigniting hopes of a comeback. However, the late goal was not enough to change the outcome, as United's solid defensive performance and time management in the final minutes ensured they left Anfield with all three points. These key moments underscored the importance of early goals and the ability to capitalise on limited opportunities.

Liverpool lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal and a backline of Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez. The midfield was anchored by Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, with Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and C. Gakpo supporting Alexander Isak up front. The lineup was largely as expected, with no major surprises in the starting XI. C. Gakpo's performance was notable, as he scored Liverpool's only goal, but the team's inability to convert their dominance into a win raises questions about their attacking strategy and the impact of their five substitutions.

Manchester United opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Senne Lammens between the posts and a defensive trio of Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw. The midfield was controlled by Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Diogo Dalot, with Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount playing just behind Matheus Cunha. The lineup showed a strong balance between defence and attack, and the early goal from an unnamed player highlighted the effectiveness of their strategy. The five substitutions made by United suggest a tactical flexibility that helped them maintain their lead and secure the victory.

C. Gakpo is Coral's Man of the Match, and his performance was pivotal for Liverpool despite the loss. He scored the team's only goal in the 78th minute, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net under pressure. With three key passes, Gakpo was instrumental in Liverpool's attacking efforts, even though he didn't register any assists or create big chances. His contribution was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing result for the home side.

Recent Premier League matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Manchester United (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Chelsea (A)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Crystal Palace (A)

Recent Premier League matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Liverpool (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Sunderland (H)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Brentford (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Chelsea (H)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Manchester City (A)

Sitting in 3rd place with 15 points, Liverpool will need to regroup quickly as they face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on October 22, 2025 at 20:00. This recent defeat might prompt a more cautious approach, with a focus on tightening up their defence and converting their possession into goals. The team will be keen to halt their losing streak and regain their confidence ahead of this crucial fixture.

With this win, Manchester United have climbed to 8th place with 13 points, and they will look to build on this momentum when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion on October 25, 2025 at 17:30. The victory over Liverpool could boost their confidence, and they might adopt a similar tactical approach against Brighton, who are just two points behind them in the league standings. United will aim to continue their winning streak and climb further up the table.

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