Rafael and Van Persie launched United to victory at an emotion-filled Anfield
Image retrieved from Goal.com
Goals of the Game
Manchester United: Rafael (51'), van Persie (81' PG)
Liverpool: Gerrard (46')
In a match filled with angst, determination, rage and controversy, a mediocre-performing Manchester United had all the luck in the world as the scraped a win against a dominating Liverpool team at Anfield, amidst emotions on the brink just more than a week after the Hillsborough news was revealed.
There was a humbling aura at Anfield as both teams gave tribute for the 96 people who died at the Hillsborough incident. Evra and Suarez had set aside their differences and shook hands, United gave a floral tribute to Liverpool, senior players Giggs and Gerrard let out 96 red balloons representing the 96 victims.
But all the solemnity was out the window when the whistle was blown. True to the event, Liverpool kicked off the game in powerful fashion, having a lot of possession and a lot of chances. United had a tough time getting to the ball and sank deep into defense. The first-half would've been uneventful if not for the first controversial event of the night. Jonjo Shelvey and Jonny Evans clashed for the ball, and with that challenge, Shelvey was sent off. On his way to the tunnel, Shelvey even had some bad words to say for Sir Alex Ferguson.
Shelvey made a dangerous challenge against Evans, granting him a send-off
Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK
While pundits expected United to start taking over the game after Liverpool was left with ten men, the contrary happened come second-half. In blitz fashion, Gerrard puts his side on the lead with a crack goal at the 46th minute. The goal proved too early for the Merseysiders, as United pulled one back five minutes later, when Rafael made a good run to the penalty box and curled a fantastic goal.
Liverpool, despite the manpower disadvantage, still proved too strong for the red Mancunians, but it was another controversial decision that would give United the win. Valencia fell down after a challenge by Glen Johnson inside the box, after which referee Mark Halsey pointed to the spot, despite protests from both Liverpool players and the Anfield crowd. Robin van Persie took the penalty and sank the winning goal. Liverpool continued to race for goals but weren't able to find one.
Gerrard picks up the pace and sinks in the opener for his team barely a minute into the second-half
Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK
Rafael looks on as his curler goes past Reina and getting inside the net
Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK
Not much can be said of the United players in this one, as they all played dreadfully, for a lack of a better word. But key players stood out.
Rio Ferdinand had a bit of a injury scare early in the game but he was United's formidable wall in front of the goal, deflecting a lot of Liverpool's attempts. Along with Evans, Ferdinand proved a vital asset for United in this match.
Rafael had been a wild card on United's flank, and his raw nature proved crucial as he once again got on the score sheet.
Lindegaard was good at the goal tonight. Ferguson's goal-keeper rotation is getting a bit of frowns from some fan, but the frequent switcheroo between Lindegaard and De Gea proved not to be a burden for the former, who made a lot of great saves this match.
A lot of things could've gone wrong for United in this match, but, just as Paolo Coelho said of the Greece National Team when they progressed in the group stages of Euro 2012, the "gods of football" were watching the Red Devils tonight. To get all three points in a match where the opposition deserved a victory at least is very fortunate.
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