Liverpool taught important lesson ahead of Manchester United clash

If Liverpool needed a reminder of the levels required to excel in the Women's Super League (WSL), last weekend's clash with newly-promoted Bristol City was it.

The Robins were rock bottom of the table when they travelled to Merseyside, while the Reds had won all of their previous three league games at Prenton Park. But, with the competitiveness of the division growing year on year, it's unwise to underestimate any opponent.

And so it proved as the visitors held Liverpool to a frustrating 1-1 draw, denting the Reds' perfect home record and offering some unwelcome food for thought as the WSL prepares to break for the festive season. It was a cagey contest, with LFC alum Amalie Thestrup opening the scoring for Bristol City just five minutes into the second half.

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When Sophie Roman Haug nodded home the equaliser less than 10 minutes later, it seemed inevitable Liverpool would go on to find a winner. But Lauren Smith's side defended admirably, limiting the Reds to few clear cut chances and forcing them to settle for a point.

"I'd say we were lucky," manager Matt Beard admitted after the game. "I'm disappointed because we've prepped the players all week. These types of games are tough. Bristol have nothing to lose. We're in a good moment and we just didn't perform to our levels today. With the ball and without the ball Bristol were better than us today.

"I said at the end there, 'you don't have a divine right to win football matches'. And today we didn't earn that right."

It was a typically honest appraisal from the Liverpool boss, who will have been frustrated