Gary Neville compared Lisandro Martinez’s goal for Manchester United at Anfield to a Ryan Giggs classic – but the visitors squandered their surprising lead.
Seven minutes after the restart, an attack down the left channel allowed centre-back Martinez to score the opener from a pass from Bruno Fernandes and end United’s six-year wait for an away goal at the Reds.
“They played so well,” former United captain Neville told Sky Sports. “To be honest, this team’s performance over the last few weeks has been a miracle – it’s been a disaster, but today they were great.
“He just smashes it into the top of the net. It’s almost reminiscent of Ryan Giggs from the 1999 FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal. This Manchester United team – one of the worst, you could say – put in one of the best performances we have ever seen after 55 minutes.”
Lisandro Martínez unleashes a lightning strike 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. In doing so, he knocked out the defending champions before the Red Devils won the final against Newcastle.
There was less for former right-back Neville to enjoy in the ensuing 19 minutes for a side that started the day 14th in the Premier League.
Less than eight minutes after Martinez’s goal, Cody Gakpo equalized, and Mohamed Salah’s 70th-minute penalty turned the score around.
In the 20 minutes following United’s goal, Liverpool had all five attempts and seven of the nine touches of the ball in the opposition penalty area between the teams.
Our last one is exactly a week away @EmiratesFACup Semi-final, so let’s look back at a previous semi-final…#OnThisDay 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: Response from the visitors
United’s distribution also appeared to be out of whack with an unlikely win in sight, resulting in a dreadful 51% accuracy over the period, compared to Liverpool’s 77%.
However, they hit back when Amad Diallo – who had earlier made a bizarre mistake following a cross from Diogo Dalot – scored a low finish.
Ruben Amorim’s struggling side entered the game on a run of four straight defeats in all competitions, including three straight defeats without scoring.
A win for Liverpool would take them eight points clear of second-placed Arsenal, with a game remaining against the Gunners.
