Alexis Mac Allister criticized Liverpool’s lackluster performance in their 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday night.
Arne Slot’s team missed the opportunity to extend their lead to eight points at the top of the Premier League table after Amad Diallo’s 80th-minute goal finalized the scoring in an exciting match.
United showed marked improvement from their recent outings and took the lead after halftime before the home side regained control.
However, their failure to maintain their advantage, along with a sluggish start, was pointed out by the Argentine midfielder, who was one of the few standout performers for the league leaders.
“It’s not good enough,” he told Sky Sports after the match. “The performance wasn’t up to the standard we wanted. We allowed too many chances. We had opportunities to score more goals.
“I believe the effort was there, the mentality was there. When you’re winning 2-1 in the 75th minute, you must defend better.”
Alexis Mac Allister was a rare standout performer for the home side against Manchester United.
United bounced back from their second-half setback to grab a late point against the leaders.
Amad Diallo made another crucial contribution, having scored a late winner against Manchester City last month.
“We start games behind and then react.”
Going into the match, the home side was expected to achieve a convincing victory based on the recent form of both teams.
Mac Allister, who assisted Liverpool’s first goal, addressed the situation and insisted it wasn’t something the team focused on.
His compatriot Lisandro Martinez opened the scoring with a powerful shot into the roof of the Liverpool net in the 52nd minute. It was a well-deserved reward for Ruben Amorim’s side, who had performed well in the first half.
However, all their hard work was undone in just 11 second-half minutes when Cody Gakpo and then Mohamed Salah, from the penalty spot, put the leaders ahead for the first time.
United, however, displayed a determination that has been missing in recent weeks and equalized through Diallo’s precise finish.
It could have been even better for the visitors, who missed a golden opportunity to claim all three points deep into stoppage time when Harry Maguire side-footed an attempt over the bar from close range.
Despite the immediate disappointment, Liverpool remains six points ahead of title challengers Arsenal and an additional four ahead of Chelsea, following their respective draws on Saturday, with one game in hand.
United climbed to 13th place ahead of West Ham and just one point behind fellow strugglers Tottenham.