Gary Neville likened Lisandro Martinez's goal for Manchester United at Anfield to a classic Ryan Giggs goal – but the visitors squandered their shock lead.
Seven minutes into the second half, a drive down the left channel allowed centre-back Martinez to score the opening goal from a Bruno Fernandes pass, ending United's six-year wait for a goal away to the Reds.
“They played very well,” former United captain Neville told Sky Sports. “Honestly, it's a miracle where this team has been the last few weeks – they've been a disaster, but today they were a delight.
“He hit the ball into the roof of the net. He almost looks like Ryan Giggs, from the '99 FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal. This Manchester United team – arguably one of the worst teams – produced one of the best performances we've seen after 55 minutes.
Lisandro Martinez unleashes a lightning strike that goes past Alisson! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/z3vmqkbIol
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Reconsider Ryan Giggs' goal?
United legend Giggs scored his famous solo goal in extra time to beat Arsenal in a replay at Villa Park almost 26 years ago, knocking out the reigning champions before the Red Devils won the final over Newcastle.
There was little for former right-back Neville to enjoy in the ensuing 19 minutes for a team that started the 14th day in the Premier League.
Cody Jacobo equalized less than eight minutes after Martinez scored, then Mohamed Salah's penalty kick in the 70th minute turned the score around.
In the 20 minutes following United's goal, Liverpool made all five attempts and seven of the nine touches in the opposition penalty area between the two teams.
It's exactly one week until our last appointment @EmiratesFACup Semi-final, so let's look at the previous match…#On_this_day 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: Visitors' response
United's distribution also appeared to go awry with an unexpected win on the horizon, resulting in a terrible 51% accuracy during that period, compared to Liverpool's 77%.
But they hit back when Amad Diallo – who had earlier missed a bizarre volley from Diogo Dalot's cross – fired in a low finish.
Ruben Amorim's troubled side entered the match on the back of a run of four successive defeats in all competitions, including three successive league defeats without scoring any goals.
A win for Liverpool would put them eight points clear of second-placed Arsenal, with the Gunners having a game in hand.
