Gary Neville likened Lisandro Martinez’s goal for Manchester United at Anfield to a Ryan Giggs classic – only for the visitors to squander their surprise lead.
Seven minutes after the restart, an attack down the left channel allowed centre-back Martinez to crash home the opening goal from Bruno Fernandes’ pass and end United’s six-year wait for a goal against the Reds.
“They played so well,” former United captain Neville told Sky Sports. “Honestly, it’s a miracle where this team has been the last few weeks – they’ve been a disaster, but today they were delicious.
“He just smashes it against the roof of the net. It’s almost like Ryan Giggs, from 1999 [FA Cup] semi-final against Arsenal. This Manchester United team – arguably one of the worst – put in one of the best performances we’ve seen after 55 minutes.
Lisandro Martínez unleashes a thunderbolt beyond Alisson! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/z3vmqkbIol
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Ryan Giggs’ goal revisited?
United legend Giggs scored his iconic solo goal in injury time to beat Arsenal in a replay at Villa Park almost 26 years ago, eliminating the title holders before the Red Devils won the final against Newcastle.
Former right-back Neville had less fun for the next 19 minutes for the side who started matchday 14 of the Premier League.
Cody Gakpo equalized less than eight minutes after Martinez’s goal, and Mohamed Salah’s 70th-minute penalty then turned the score around.
In the 20 minutes following United’s goal, Liverpool completed all five of their attempts and seven of nine touches in the opposition area between the teams.
Exactly one week remains until our last @EmiratesFACup semi-final, so let’s come back to a previous one…#ThisDay in 1999, Ryan Giggs intercepted a pass in midfield and did so against Arsenal 👇 pic.twitter.com/LfWDgnhu6g
–Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 14, 2018
Liverpool vs Man United: Visitors’ response
United’s distribution also appeared to lose their way with an unlikely victory in sight, producing a disastrous 51% accuracy in that period, compared to Liverpool’s 77%.
They hit back, however, when Amad Diallo – who had earlier missed a Diogo Dalot cross – rolled downfield.
Ruben Amorim’s struggling side came into the match on a run of four consecutive defeats in all competitions, including three consecutive league defeats without scoring.
Victory for Liverpool would put them eight points clear of second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand against the Gunners.
