Luiz Diaz scored a first-half brace to lead Liverpool to a 3-0 win over Manchester United in their English Premier League (EPL) game.
The latest episode of EPL’s biggest rivalry was a one-sided affair as Diaz and Mo Salah saw off Erik ten Hag’s mediocre side at Old Trafford on Sunday.
It was a match to forget for Casemiro, who lumbered about the pitch as he struggled to keep up with the high intensity of the top-level football. The Brazilian’s errors served the first two goals to Liverpool on gilded platters.
He conceded possession of the ball in the 35th minute, and Diaz was well-positioned to nod in Salah’s deflected cross at the back post.
For the second goal, Casemiro was robbed by Diaz, who finished off the counter with a first-time shot into the bottom corner. The visitors went into the break two goals up at halftime.
Salah made it 3-0 eleven minutes into the second half when he smashed into the net at the near post from Dominik Szoboszlai’s pass. The Egyptian striker’s goal means he has scored in seven consecutive matches at Old Trafford, and the goal is his 14th overall against United. He is also the highest-scoring visitor at Old Trafford in EPL history.
The goal sealed an easy win for Liverpool that maintained the Anfield side’s 100% start to the season. It was Liverpool’s first victory over Manchester United in four attempts. Arne Slot, Liverpool manager, also became the first of ten clubs’ bosses to win their first match against Manchester United.
Man United, however, suffered consecutive defeats in the three weeks old season.
Elsewhere, Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace in their London derby. Eberechi Eze’s second-half curler cancelled Nicholas Jackson’s early strike.
Newcastle United also defeated Tottenham 2-1 thanks to Alexander Isak’s winning goal.
RESULTS
Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace
Newcastle United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspurs
Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool