The advertising boards at Anfield couldn’t hold back joyous Manchester United fans after Lisandro Martinez’s goal.
Martinez scored the opener in what proved to be a pulsating 2-2 draw between the famous rivals.
Sky SportsLisandro Martinez’s goal sent the United supporters into raptures[/caption]
On a rare foray forward, centre-back Martinez was slipped in by United captain Bruno Fernandes and produced an unerring finish to beat Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.
The Argentinian’s strike sparked euphoria among the travelling United fans.
However, the celebrations quite literally spilled over as some of the United supporters at the front of the away end fell over the front of the advertising boards.
Even some of the stewards fell down to the ground, such was the chaotic nature of the celebrations.
Luckily, the fans who were sent tumbling to the ground were quickly helped back to their feet.
It was Martinez’s second goal in all competitions for United and his first since January 22 in 2023, when he scored in a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal.
Martinez’s goal also ended United’s wait for a goal at Anfield, with Wayne Rooney’s strike in January 2016 the last time the Red Devils had found the net at their rivals’ home ground.
The wait had even lasted a whopping 45 shots.
Unfortunately for United, their joy and lead was short-lived as Cody Gakpo scored the equaliser just seven minutes later.
A brief VAR check for off-side followed, but the Dutchman had stayed onside and the goal stood.
United’s woes were compounded in the 70th minute when Mohamed Salah blasted home his 18th league goal of the campaign from the penalty spot.
Liverpool were awarded a penalty following a handball from United’s Matthijs de Ligt and Salah delivered, although Andre Onana guessed the right way and appeared to get a fingertip on the ball.
However, Liverpool’s lead lasted only 10 minutes.
United once again made inroads down Liverpool’s right as Alejandro Garnacho was allowed to square a ball right into the path of Amad Diallo, who had timed his run to perfection.
Diallo swept home Garnacho’s cross through the legs of Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson and past Alisson as United’s supporters were once again delirious with joy.
Both Liverpool and United had chances to steal all three points at the death.
A header was flicked on in the path of Virgil van Dijk from a Liverpool corner, but the Dutch colossus powered his effort right at Onana.
United centre-back Harry Maguire also had his opportunity to put his name in headlights but misfired.
Joshua Zirkzee had been released down the right and cut the ball back to Maguire, who was unmarked in the middle of Liverpool’s box.
However, Maguire’s effort went flying over the bar as Garnacho, who was behind the defender, fell to his knees.
The result helped Liverpool to a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, although they were left to rue what could have been against the Red Devils.
As for United, they ended a four-game losing skid and helped them end the weekend in 13th on 23 points.