Yes, there was only a single goal in it, yes Newcastle retained their dignity heads high, and certainly massive strides have been made in the last few months.
However in terms of learning how far United must improve to reside amongst the very best then the truth is a significant gulf has to be bridged.
Elite football is a squad game not a team game and Liverpool's quadruple chasers were able to bench superstars of the quality of Footballer of the Year Mo Salah, midfield genius Thiago, and full-back marauderer Trent Alexander-Arnold and still play in cruise control.
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The last week has shown us what these Red Scousers are all about: they faced the Mersey derby when Everton employed every dark art known to man but won comfortably 2-0; played in the semi-final of the Champions League when Villarreal attempted to swamp the ball with numbers but won comfortably 2-0; and finally confronted a Newcastle side which had triumphed in six home matches on the bounce but won comfortably 1-0.
That is now 15 Liverpool Premier League matches in 2022 of which they have won 13 and draw the other two, 11 away games in all competitions this year without defeat, and eight clean sheets in their last nine PL matches. As Eddie Howe said pre-match there is no such thing as a weakened Liverpool side.
Newcastle are on their way but there are a few bus stops to take on fresh newcomers before the promised land even comes into sight. We have every right to be excited about what has occurred under Eddie but equally we must be realistic. I was banging that drum before the game not just now after defeat but it hardly takes genius to realise what faces us. It is obvious to all.
United's best player? Martin Dubravka and that tells us everything. Without him and some wayward shooting by usually accurate finishers after Liverpool had carved out a barrowload of chances it would have been a much more sobering final score.
The lone goal was scored by Naby Keita midway through the first half and while beautifully crafted had a tinge of controversy about it. Fabian Schar coming out of defence touched the ball a fraction too far in front of himself and James Milner saw his opportunity to snap in with a tackled clearance. A Swiss roll from Schar failed to convince referee Andre Marriner of a foul and while our man was writhing on the floor Liverpool were congratulating their scorer.
No, sadly it was not a foul. It was a strong challenge from a one-time Magpie who showed he can still influence top class matches in his mid-thirties by putting in a man of the match performance.
Matt Targett then failed to track his man as Keita played a one-two to burrow deep into United's penalty area and finish ice cool. Pity because otherwise our on-loan left-back was rock steady solid.
Never mind there was no shame in a narrow defeat to Liverpool. This was not Tottenham 5-1 nor Everton 1-0 but a show of defiance, togetherness, and desire in the face of a red sea of attackers. However, players need to be brought in to reach the next level and will be, most importantly a centre-forward.
United played without one, confining £25m Chris Wood to the subs' bench for the second successive week. Against Norwich, relegated this weekend, no No.9 made little difference. Against a team hunting down an unprecedented four trophies it most certainly did.
The need for a reliable marksman was highlighted when Wood did come on and was sent clear only for him to finish poorly straight at Alisson. If an offside flag saved Wood's blushes neither he nor the keeper knew for certain it was coming and so played on with the negative result. Against the best opportunities are few and ruthlessness is a must.
Here's another question: can United build their side around Allan Saint-Maximin? Now there's a hot topic. Excitingly quick, great dribbler, magnet for ball and defenders. On other hand frustrating, plays in blinkers, likes to lie down. What do you think?
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