Arch-rivals, Liverpool and Manchester United, failed to spark as England’s two most successful clubs played out a forgettable 0-0 draw in the Premier League on Monday night.
Victory would have lifted Jurgen Klopp’s in-form Liverpool level with leaders Manchester City and Arsenal, but they remain fourth after seeing a five-game winning streak come to an end at Anfield.
Liverpool came closest to winning, United goalkeeper David de Gea thwarting Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic spurned the visitors’ best chance with a weak header.
Klopp could console himself with a first clean sheet in 10 league games, but it was the first time his side had failed to score at home in the league since a 1-0 loss to United exactly 10 months previously.
Jose Mourinho’s United remain seventh and have won only one of their last five league games, although this was a display much more in keeping with the defensive rigorousness their manager demands.