The Red Army arrived at Anfield quite rightly revelling in Liverpool’srecent demise. Beachballs rained down onto the pitch (bizarrely from the Koptoo), whilst Eric Cantona masks and 18-times winner banners were also the orderof the day from the 2,400 travelling supporters!
However, on the pitch it was to be Liverpool’sday. The resurgent Scousers started brightly and, despite the absence of'Stevey G', Edwin van der Sar had to be at his best to stop the hosts taking alead into the half-time break.
The Dutchman's heroics included a fine double-save as heclawed away Aurelio's free-kick, before blocking Dirk Kuyt's rebound with his legs.
United, by contrast, were kept very quiet. Antonio Valenciacaused a few problems on the flank during the first period, and Wayne Rooneyhad an effort ruled out for offside, but Liverpooldidn't look a side who'd lost four on the bounce before today.
The action all came after the break with two goals and twored cards giving analysts plenty to mull over.
Liverpool again started well and Kuytwas too unselfish when he tried to set up Yossi Benayoun instead of shoot forgoal with the net looming. However, the deserved opener came on 64 minutes asFernando Torres shrugged off Rio Ferdinand's advances and drilled a fine, higheffort beyond VDS' grasp.
United tried to force their way back into the game but wereineffective going forward. Michael Owen came on to rings of boos and cheers of"Judas" from the Scousers, but that couldn't motivate him to bag anequaliser than many thought was written into this game's script!
As the clock ticked down, Nemanja Vidic was once again shownred against the Scousers as he hauled down Kuyt on the half-way line for asecond bookable offence and though Javier Mascherano was soon dismissed too, Liverpoolsealed the win deep into stoppage time thanks to Ngog's cool finish.
Jamie Carragher should have been dismissed earlier for a horrendous challenge on Owen - but he was only booked. Perhaps that may have changed things, but United were poor and (deep breath) the better team won on the day.
Gutted. A third straight defeat against our bitter rivals,and no doubt a revitalised Liverpool will startbelieving they can mount a Premier League challenge this season. It’s up to SirAlex to prove them wrong.
Roll on Barnsley.
