Maguire’s Late Header Stuns Anfield as Champions Suffer Fourth Straight Defeat
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Liverpool (Manager: Arne Slot) |
Manchester United (Manager: Rúben Amorim) |
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Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Ekitike; Isak |
Lammens; Dalot, De Ligt, Varane, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Diallo; Sesko |
Match Summary
Manchester United secured a monumental 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield, officially ending their nine-year winless streak at the venue and piling immense pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slot. The result marks the first time since January 2016 that United has taken three points from Anfield in a Premier League match.
Early Shock and Liverpool Pressure (0-1)
United started with a bang, taking the lead just 61 seconds into the game. Bryan Mbeumo (2′) capitalised on a defensive collision between Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate to calmly slot the ball home, silencing the home crowd. The remainder of the half was dominated by Liverpool’s relentless attack, but the crossbar and post repeatedly came to United’s rescue, denying Cody Gakpo (twice) and Bruno Fernandes (for United).
Gakpo Equalizes, Maguire Decides (1-2)
Liverpool’s persistence paid off late in the second half. After hitting the woodwork for an astonishing third time, Cody Gakpo (78′) finally found the net, tapping in a cross from substitute Federico Chiesa to level the scores and seemingly swing the momentum in the champion’s favour.
However, United delivered the decisive blow just six minutes later. From a corner, Bruno Fernandes delivered a brilliant volleyed cross that found the head of an unmarked Harry Maguire (84′). The veteran defender powered his header past the goalkeeper, sparking jubilant celebrations in the away end.
Aftermath
The defeat is disastrous for Liverpool, marking a fourth consecutive loss across all competitions—a low point not seen since 2014—and leaving them four points behind league leaders Arsenal. For Rúben Amorim, the victory is a huge statement, confirming his first back-to-back league wins and injecting desperately needed morale into the club, which climbs to ninth place, only two points behind Liverpool. Gakpo missed a late, gilt-edged chance in stoppage time to salvage a point, but United held firm for a landmark victory.