Manchester United “missed an opportunity” to beat Liverpool, said boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after his side stayed top of the Premier League with a goalless draw against the champions.
It was a game that failed to justify the pre-match anticipation and Solskjaer will know his side had the better chances to claim a statement victory at Anfield.
Liverpool, without a recognised centre-back and with midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in defence, dominated possession in the first half but it was United who came closest when Bruno Fernandes’ 20-yard free-kick curled inches wide.
Fernandes was then thwarted after the break by the outstretched leg of Liverpool keeper Alisson before Thiago’s long-range effort finally brought the previously unemployed David de Gea into action.
Alisson was Liverpool’s hero late on when he blocked Paul Pogba’s drive from point-blank range.
“It was an opportunity missed with the chances we had but then again we were playing a very good side.” Solskjaer told BBC Sport. “I’m disappointed but still a point is OK if you win the next one.
“We have improved and progressed. It’s not just the result we’re disappointed with, it’s some of the performance. I know these boys can play better.”
United are now two points ahead of Manchester City, who moved up to second by beating Crystal Palace 4-0, and Leicester City in third. Liverpool, who have scored just one goal in their past four league games, have dropped to fourth, a point behind the Foxes.
John Stones scored twice for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s resurgent title challengers cruised past Crystal Palace to go second in the Premier League.
Hours after Liverpool and leaders Manchester United shared a goalless draw, City capitalised to move within two points of top spot with their fifth successive league victory.
Stones opened the scoring with a header from Kevin de Bruyne’s delightful cross as the Belgian made it 100 assists in all competitions since joining the club in 2015.
The hosts were already in complete control when Ilkay Gundogan added a superb second from the edge of the box shortly after the break.
Stones, having previously never scored in the Premier League for City, then smashed in his second from a corner before Raheem Sterling curled in a free-kick for City’s fourth.
Guardiola’s side can go top if they win their game in hand, while defeat means Crystal Palace remain 13th.
Tanguy Ndombele scored a stunning goal as Tottenham got their top-four challenge back on track with a comfortable victory against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United.
The midfielder – Spurs’ record signing – hooked a brilliant, improvised lob over Aaron Ramsdale to complete the scoring for the away side in the second half.
A disappointing run of just one win in their six previous Premier League fixtures had seen Spurs slip down the table with their inability to kill off games proving damaging.
But they were back to their ruthless best against a Blades side that had gone into the game buoyed by picking up their first league win of the season against Newcastle last time out.
Serge Aurier opened the scoring early on when he headed home Son Heung-min’s corner.
Harry Kane got his 12th league goal of the season just before half-time, driving a superb low strike from outside the box beyond Aaron Ramsdale in the Sheffield United goal.
David McGoldrick halved the deficit with a glancing header in the second half but Ndombele’s stunner made sure there would be no late drama.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says his side “can’t think everything is solved” after labouring their way to a second Premier League win in seven games against 10-man Fulham.
Antonee Robinson was sent off late in the first half for Fulham for a dangerous tackle on Cesar Azpilicueta.
Mason Mount – who earlier hit the bar – proved the match-winner with a half-volley after Alphonse Areola flapped at Ben Chilwell’s cross.
Leicester City climbed to second in the Premier League as they won a keenly contested encounter with fellow top-four hopefuls Southampton at King Power Stadium.
James Maddison fired in from a tight angle after 37 minutes, the Foxes midfielder instructing his team-mates to stand back as he performed a socially distanced celebration, before Harvey Barnes added a second deep into second-half stoppage-time.
Victory takes Leicester within one point of leaders Manchester United, who travel to third-placed Liverpool on Sunday, while Southampton are eighth, three points outside the top four.
Brighton head coach Graham Potter says his side have to “take on the challenge and be brave” after boosting their survival hopes with a deserved win at Leeds United.
Neal Maupay’s winner against a lacklustre home side ended Brighton’s run of nine league games without a victory.
Top-scorer Maupay tapped in after 17 minutes following slick build-up from Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Trossard.
Brighton head coach Graham Potter says his side have to “take on the challenge and be brave” after boosting their survival hopes with a deserved win at Leeds United.
Neal Maupay’s winner against a lacklustre home side ended Brighton’s run of nine league games without a victory.
Top-scorer Maupay tapped in after 17 minutes following slick build-up from Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Trossard.
Brighton head coach Graham Potter says his side have to “take on the challenge and be brave” after boosting their survival hopes with a deserved win at Leeds United.
Neal Maupay’s winner against a lacklustre home side ended Brighton’s run of nine league games without a victory.
Top-scorer Maupay tapped in after 17 minutes following slick build-up from Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Trossard.
West Brom still “have their heads under water” but the derby win at Wolves gives them hope of Premier League survival, says manager Sam Allardyce.Both spot-kicks came from clumsy tackles from behind on Callum Robinson, by Willy Boly and Conor Coady.
The penalties were similar too as Pereira sent Rui Patricio the wrong way. The first broke the deadlock after eight minutes, the second won the game 11 minutes into the second half.
In between, Fabio Silva and Boly turned the game on its head in the space of five minutes at the end of the first half, only for Semi Ajayi to level with a header straight after the restart.
The result extended a miserable run for Wolves, who since striker Raul Jimenez fractured his skull at Arsenal on 29 November have taken five points from nine games and slid down the table into 14th spot, with all the clubs below them having games in hand.