Manchester United is proving to be Liverpool’s bogey team this season.

Despite taking the lead, Liverpool doesn’t seem able to put Manchester United away decisively. 

That was the story last month during their epic F.A. Cup round dual, and that was the story today.

Liverpool scored first and dominated the first half. With Luis Diaz’s goal, Liverpool closed the first half with 15 shots on target against Manchester United’s 0.

Opportunities for Liverpool went begging time and time again in what was an open game.

Manchester United put up dogged resistance and after surrendering victory to Chelsea a few days ago, refused to embarrass themselves again.

Mo Salah has to be more clinical and contribute more as a team player. Too many times today he was caught in possession.

Bruno Fernandes scored a magnificent goal from 50 yards to equalise. It has to be a contender for goal of the season.

From then onwards the captain seemed to energise Manchester United who took the fight to Liverpool.

When Robbie Mainoo scored to give the home side the lead, one had an awful feeling that Liverpool would rue all those squandered chances.

Casemiro, Antony, Hojland and Garnacho stepped up with renewed vigour. Liverpool was suddenly having to fend them off rather than put Manchester United to bed.

Nine minutes from time, Wan-Bissaka conceded a penalty and Salah stepped up and sent Onana the wrong way.

At 2-2, there was still much to play for but time was running out. Arsenal was loving it.

Today, Liverpool had the chance to go top of the EPL but as the whistle blew on this game, there was a sigh of collective regret. Arsenal are top on goal difference with Liverpool neck and neck with Manchester City.

Liverpool needs to put away games like this to win the title. It’s one thing looking good, another coming out a winner.

After the game, Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk said dejectedly: “ It feels like a loss, it is our fault again. We had so many chances and we should have finished the game off.

“Unfortunately the individual mistake that happened with the equaliser and we had so much time to put it right but we were in a rush. Still after being 2-1 down we created so much.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp added: “ We played good in so many moments. 2-2, I’m not over the moon about it but I’m fine. We will recover. We will keep going with all we have.”