Alexis Mac Allister calls out Liverpool’s defending in 2-2 draw with Man United and insists their display was ‘not good enough’ – as the Reds missed the chance to go eight points clear
Alexis Mac Allister bemoaned Liverpool’s poor performance in their 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday night.
Arne Slot’s side missed the chance to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table after Amad Diallo’s 80th-minute strike concluded the scoring in a thrilling encounter.
United were much improved from their recent displays and took the lead after the break before the home side wrestled back control.
But their inability to hold on to their advantage, as well as their sluggish start, was called out by the Argentine midfielder, who was a rare outstanding performer for the league leaders.
‘It’s not good enough,’ he told Sky Sports post match. ‘The performance wasn’t as good enough as we wanted. We conceded too many chances. We had opportunities to score more goals.
‘I think the effort was there, the mentality was there. When you are winning 2-1, 75 minutes you have to defend better.
Alexis Mac Allister was a rare stand out performer for the home side against Manchester United
United recovered from their second-half setback to snatch a point late on against the leaders
Amad Diallo produced another decisive contribution, having scored a late winner against Manchester City last month
‘We started games where we are losing and after that we react.’
Heading into the fixture the home side were expected to secure a thumping victory, given the recent form of both sides.
Mac Allister, who assisted Liverpool’s first goal, addressed the issue and insisted that it was not something the team dwelt on.
‘It doesn’t bother me,’ he added. ‘That’s the way football is, we just try to do our jobs.’
His countryman Lisandro Martinez opened the scoring with a thunderous drive into the roof of the Liverpool net in the 52nd minute. It was a just reward for Ruben Amorim’s side who had impressed during the first half.
But all their hard work was undone in 11 second-half minutes when Cody Gakpo and then Mohamed Salah, from the spot, put the leaders in front for the first time.
United, however, showed a spirit that has been lacking in recent weeks and found an equaliser through Diallo’s clinical finish.
It could have been even more for the visitors who squandered a golden chance to snatch all three points deep into stoppage time when Harry Maguire side footed an effort over the bar from close range.
Despite the immediate disappointment, Liverpool remain six points ahead of title rivals Arsenal and a further four ahead of Chelsea, following their respective draws on Saturday, with a game in hand.
United move up to 13th ahead of West Ham and just one point behind fellow strugglers Tottenham.
