But one by one they slipped by and United, to their credit, fought their way back into the game. If Anthony Martial had hit the target just before the hour instead of lashing wildly over the bar the contest could have taken an unlikely turn.
For all their late pressure United were unable to carve out an equivalent chance and as they threw everyone forward, Liverpool used route one to finish them off with Salah racing onto Alisson’s long ball to score.
He tore off his shirt in jubilation – and relief. It was his first goal in five appearances against Manchester United. The Liverpool goalkeeper was the first teammate to arrive to celebrate with him. Proof, if proof be needed, that they have pace throughout the team.
And what a team it is. A champion team.