Fan Report: Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United

Liverpool got back to winning ways after a dramatic 2-0 victory over fierce rivals and title contenders Man Utd. A game that had it all, with red cards and goals witnessed amongst a truelly enthralling Anfield crowd.

It was a game where Liverpool really needed to put in a performance, to regain a stance in the title challenge. It would also ease the pressure on manager Rafa Benitez, whose team have lost their last four games. Man Utd headed to Anfield with the bookies edging them to win the close encounter. Dissapointing news met the Liverpool faithful, when it was announced that Steven Gerrard would not be involved in the game, however Johnson and Torres both started.

The first half saw a frantic pace, from both teams getting out of the blocks early. It looked like a great start for the visitors, when Rooney was clear on goal only to see the linesman raise his flag for offside. End to end football then saw Liverpool’s Lucas work a shot on goal from distance to see the ball go wide for a corner. Benayoun was notably off to a great start with his usual jinxing runs throughout midfield – a clear fan favourite this season.

The first major chance came from a Liverpool free kick, after Evra had been booked. Aurelio fizzed the ball towards goal, only for Van Der Sar to agonizingly tip it away with his finger tips. Kuyt from that managed to get a shot on goal only for it to be blocked.  Kuyt was involved again around the 20 minute mark, when he had a tight angle on goal but could only scuff a poor shot wide.

That point onwards to half time saw few half chances from Aurelio, Mascherano and Man Utd’s Rooney in what was turning into a heated, scrappy first half, that saw Berbatov be the second Man Utd player to get booked.

The second half started as the first ended with a real battle of possession, with scrappy challenges and numerous half chances, by Benayoun, Agger and Lucas. However it soon started to open as the crowd reacted.

On the 65th minute the Anfield faithful erupted. Liverpool on the break with Benayoun who slid a majestic throughball to Torres who could fend off Ferdinand and hit a thunderbolt past Van Der Sar into the back of the net.

There was a chance 5 minutes later for Lucas to double the host’s lead, but could only blaze a close effort high over the bar. Man Utd then started to push for an equaliser, as Vidic and Mascherano both saw their names go into referee, Ander Marriners book.

Benitez attempted to freshen things up by replacing Torres and Benayoun with Ngog and Skrtel. Man Utd went closest when Valencia cracked the bar from a tight angle. Evergreen Jamie Carragher was then booked for pulling down ex-Liverpool favourite Owen, who entered the game to mass jearing.

Two minutes later, Vidic received his second yellow card and had to go after being the last man and bringing down Kuyt on the halfway line. Tension soon filled the air more than ever when five minutes were announced as added time. Well into that time the numbers were evened up, after Mascherano also got his second yellow card after a committed challenge on Edwin Van Der Sar.

A fantastic finish to the game, saw rookie Liverpool striker David Ngog put through on goal, who coolly slid the ball into the back of the Man Utd net. A truly heavyweight of a game!, Liverpool 2 Man Utd 0.

By Jordan Gaines

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