Liverpool were worthy winners some hours earlier in an encounter against Manchester United at Anfield today, as the Kops ended a nightmarish 4 consecutive defeats in all competitions to grab a vital win against arch enemy United, a win which will surely bring fresh air to the scousers fans and team staff alike, while the Red Devils will have to think again about tactics and formation to use to finally succeed in winning against the former, as this is a 3rd defeat in a row against Liverpool following the 2 games lost last season to Rafa Benitez’s side, a man who only a few days ago was on the hot seat, now celebrating what may be a turn around in his team’s season.

Liverpool were without symbolic captain, Steven Gerrard, but welcomed back Torres who was out with an injury and missed the last games, while United as well welcomed back Rooney, Giggs and Evra who were injured, but without Fletcher. As soon as the game kicked off, Liverpool made their intentions clear by putting pressure on United’s backline, while the Red Devils were somewhat more content to absorb the pressure, and thus not creating any attack. In fact Pepe Reina was called into action only once in the first half with a soft header from Rooney, the latter who may be is still not fit as he rarely threatened Liverpool’s back 4, while the likes of Valencia, Giggs and Berbatov were only a waste, along with Carrick and Scholes as they failed to create any opportunity on goal.

Second half was more buzzing as Liverpool continued their pressure, and the reward came on 64th minute with a goal from Torres, who calmly brushed Ferdinand aside and shot past a helpless Van Der Sar. Upon conceding this goal United tried to slot into attacking formation, but Liverpool were not troubled at all, even when Owen and Nani were brought on for the ineffective Berbatov and Scholes, with Owen’s may be only contribution was to slide a pass to Valencia whose shot came off the bar with the score still 1-0 at that time. Vidic was sent off for a second yellow card as he brought Kuyt down, his 3rd consecutive sending off against Liverpool, and in added time, Mascherano was sent off for Liverpool as he went with a reckless tackle on Van Der Sar as he was clearing a loose ball.

But the drama was not yet over, as one minute later, a counter-attack from the Reds gifted N’gog his first goal against United after he came on to replace the other scorer, Torres. 2-0 the result, the best team of the day won, while United only have to blame themselves for such a poor performance against one of the main title contenders.

Some analysis on United:

Only Evra was the most active player for United as he tried to keep Johnson and Kuyt at bay, along with Torres, but he was also yellow carded early in the game for committing too many fouls to the ref’s liking.

What’s the use of a  30M CF like Berbatov when he did not have even 1 shot on target today?? Players make place for themselves in fans’ hearts in games like this, but Berbatov scored negative marks as far as I’m concerned. Rooney as well was not having any influence upfront, but we could blame his fitness as well here as he was still doubtful to start this game following a calf strain, and it seems he’s not yet recovered fully on this one but he did last for the full game as Berbatov made way for Owen.

Valencia may be a good crosser and has a good physique, but he lacks the pace which a certain Ronaldo used to bring on the wing, while Ryan Giggs is may be feeling the ‘old age’, he cannot cope with the pace most of the time, and his inspirational crosses and runs were not for today’s match as he was a shadow of himself.

The center backs need some more work, as Ferdinand was beaten too easily for the opener, while Vidic just keeps committing these unnecessary fouls which end up very bad for him and the team, while in midfield, Carrick and Scholes rarely caused Liverpool any upset, with Carrick mostly known as a very good passer, just kept passing either backwards or into the opposition’s feet. Still time for Sir Alex to find a remedy to losing important games like this one, as the return match will be on Old Trafford, and yet to play against Chelsea as well, who are for the time being leaders, and playing dazzling football as well.