One Point Apiece

ONE POINT APIECE
I Watch, I Share Article
by Senior Editor Wong Yang and Assistant Editor Shaun Lee
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United 


Alex Ferguson's team selection for the game was strange to many, as it resembled a League Cup side. That showed he did not believe Liverpool were good enough to deserve United's best. Anderson, Nani, Javier Hernandez, and Wayne Rooney were all left on the bench. 

As Liverpool's anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone" faded away, (well, not really, there was still some singing) the eagerly-anticipated match between Liverpool and Manchester United began.

In the first half, United's Spanish goalkeeper was rarely tested, and Rio Ferdinand did well to stop Luis Suarez from making his move. There were a few good chances for Liverpool, but their shots were wide. Both teams were extremely conservative to me, playing more defense. I felt that if this carried on, we would see no goals!

During the break, both Scots probably told their charges to move forward more, as things started to get interesting. Early in the second, there was a penalty appeal after Dirk Kuyt's header struck Jonny Evans on the arm, but the referee did not give one.

In the 68th minute, Liverpool was given a free kick after Charlie Adam tumbled to the ground on the edge of the penalty area as Rio Ferdinand challenged him. Steven Gerrard, who had his first start in seven months for Liverpool after a troublesome groin injury, then took the free kick, swerving it towards the right-hand side of United's goal, with the ball going through the wall.

 Finally, finally, wait I waited for had come - a goal!

Giggs had stepped out of the way, and the ball slipped into goal. Ryan Giiggs probably wanted to show that his best days are behind him. Then came Nani and Rooney, and after a while came the young Hernandez.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, United equalised after Nani's corner from the left side was flicked by Welbeck into Hernandez's path. Hernandez, unmarked, headed in the ball to give United the goal. The men in red were determined to win, and did their best to get a second. Kuyt brought a save from de Gea, and then Jordan Henderson's volley was blocked by the goalkeeper. In stoppage time, Henderson also created another chance with a header over the bar.

Liverpool were indeed the better team, playing hungrier and fighting harder for it - the three points. This game cost United the top of the table, which their rival neighbours Manchester City stole from them after defeating Aston Villa 4-1. Liverpool sit as fifth place, one place above Tottenham Hotspur who have a game today against Newcastle United in fourth place. Manchester United did not look like champions yesterday, and have to play with more will against Manchester CIty next week.

One Point Apiece, it is.

Match Highlights and Pictures
(from videa and matchhighlights.com, pictures edited by us)

  
 
  

 

Giggs stepping out of the way

 

 

 

Giggs stepping out of the way - analysed!