Liverpool and Manchester United faced off in yet another fiery encounter at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, with both teams looking to secure a crucial win to keep the pressure on the Premier League title race.
The game kicked off with United making a bright start, with star striker Cristiano Ronaldo looking particularly dangerous, but it was Liverpool who struck first blood in the 20th minute with a stunning strike from Dutch winger Cody Gakpo.
The 22-year-old, who has been in scintillating form for Liverpool this season, drove a low shot into the bottom corner from just outside the penalty area, leaving United goalkeeper David de Gea with no chance.
United immediately responded, however, and equalised just four minutes later through Jesse Lingard, who pounced on a loose ball in the Liverpool penalty area and smashed it home to make it 1-1.
The rest of the first half was a tense and closely-fought affair, with both sides looking for that crucial second goal to take control of the game. Liverpool came close on a number of occasions, with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah both causing problems for the United defence, but they were ultimately unable to find the back of the net again before half-time.
The second half kicked off with Liverpool on the front foot, as they looked to build on their first-half momentum and take control of the game. They were rewarded for their efforts just eight minutes into the half, when Gakpo scored his second goal of the game to put Liverpool back in front.
It was another stunning strike from the Dutchman, who picked up the ball on the edge of the box before curling a beautiful shot past de Gea and into the top corner of the net.
United once again responded positively, however, and came close to equalising on a number of occasions, with Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani both going close. Liverpool held firm, however, and were able to see out the remainder of the game to secure a crucial win.
The win sees Liverpool move back to the top of the Premier League table, just two points ahead of second-placed Manchester City. United, meanwhile, remain in fourth place, with a six-point gap already opening up between themselves and the top three.
The result will be a major boost for Liverpool, who had been struggling in recent weeks, and will give them the confidence to push on and challenge for the title over the remainder of the season.
For United, it will be a frustrating result, and they will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next game against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.
Overall, it was another thrilling encounter between two of English football’s biggest clubs, and one that will live long in the memory of the fans who were lucky enough to witness it.