6th November 2023
Listen
Listen
In an astonishing match tonight (5/3/23), Mo Salah has become Liverpool’s record scorer in the Premier League. Salah shared the stunning seven goal win over Manchester United’s nil with Gakpo, Núñez and Firmino.
Clearly a game of two halves, Liverpool started quickly but did not score, with Darwin Núñez coming closest. It seemed at this point that Manchester United, who had remained unbeaten for 11 games on the bounce, still had a chance. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford both had opportunities but neither had success, Casemiro’s header was offside.
Just two minutes before the interval, Andy Robertson split the visitors’ rearguard. Gakpo passed Lisandro Martínez, then finessed into the bottom right corner to land Liverpool one goal up before half time. David de Gea was motionless in goal. Manchester United, look what you could have won.
Immediately after play restarted, Luke Shaw conceded possession, then failed to rectify his error. Elliott delivered with his right foot and Núñez pushed in a header to make it 2-0.
A third goal came as Salah slalomed down the left, causing Martinez to slip. He released to Gakpo, who dinked the ball past de Gea from an acute angle once again.
Game over? No. Alisson was nearly dispossessed by Fernandes but recovered to preserve his clean sheet. Turning point.
Ultimately, Scott McTominay failed to thwart Núñez twice. It broke for Mohammed Salah, who managed to fire it in off the bar with his weaker right foot to bring Liverpool a fourth goal.
Once more, Rashford attempted to restore pride, rounding Alisson, but hitting the left upright.
Captain Jordan Henderson retrieved the ball on the left, then perfectly executed his floated ball. Núñez expertly flicked his header over de Gea. Liverpool were denied a fifth in the identical fixture last April. This time, they broke the resistance, conspicuous by its absence, making it a five-goal lead.
Jürgen Klopp was afforded the luxury of a quadruple substitution by the healthy lead his side had gained. Notably, Gakpo was replaced by Roberto Firmino, who on Friday was confirmed to be departing but who will remain a Liverpool Legend.
Instantly, Elliott detected Firmino with the outside of his foot. Varane intercepted, but Shaw carelessly struck the ball against Firmino. Inadvertently, he assisted Salah in scoring goal six, to surpass Robbie Fowler and become The Reds’ all-time leading Premier League scorer (129).
He then turned creator. Firmino miscontrolled, narrowing the angle, yet still squeezed the ball beyond the line. The happiest of endings. Perfection. The start of his farewell, but still more chapters to be penned.
Eight shots on target. Seven goals. Clinical.
Life peaked; the pinnacle. Seven without reply against your bitter rivals, how could it not? Liverpool recorded their biggest-ever competitive win against Manchester United and they did it on home turf.
Salah became the first Liverpool player to score in six consecutive appearances in all competitions against Manchester United. How was he going to celebrate a momentous night? With a chamomile tea and some rest.
Cover image by author || Your eyes do not deceive you. The most photographed scoreboard at Anfield? Probably.
