Man Utd 3 – Liverpool 2

It was’t the cracker of a game that everyone had hoped for, but at the very least the second half was lively and came packed with actions and not without controversies of course — like which Liverpool vs Man Utd game is ever without its controversies?

What happened Liverpool? Sure you were consistent — in making stray passes, in failing to block crosses, and in failing to create any telling opportunities in United’s half that is. We were bad, just awful, and at this moment I’m not sure if it’s the players’ fault or the manager’s pickings that should be blamed. Or the looming boardroom implications even.

It was a bit of a shock really to see Liverpool pull off a comeback to level the game at 2-2. Liverpool were extremely languid and placid, while Man Utd were all over the pitch, eager to spray anything towards Reina’s goal at every single opportunity, as they magnificiently raced into a two goals lead. Two really well taken goals, both sublime and majestic finishes from Berbatov. Man Utd were enjoying and bossing the game, at least until Gerard pulled a goal back via a penalty.

Gerrard’s second set piece goal, following Torres’ fouling just outside the area, was fortuitous, in the sense that the wall refused to jump and block, as the ball leaked through into the back of the net. It seemed like another fairytale comeback, of which Liverpool have fallen synonymous with during recent years, and this ironically during a game where forward runs and taking shots at goal were the last thing on Liverpool’s collective minds.

Oh heck, even defending properly were the last thing on Liverpool’s mind too, and not until Agger came in for Konchesky did we see Reina’s front four trying to get physical with Man Utd’s forwards, but it’s all a little too late huh? I couldn’t recall a cross being blocked, apart from a Johnson chase-down of Giggs attempted cross late in the game, but other than that, it seemed as if the flanks were intent to let their central defence handle everything — a move that would be little cause for alarm if a certain Bulgarian wasn’t in his man-of-the-match mood, but oh how in the mood he was.

In all honesty, Man Utd didn’t deserve to lose two points, and Berbatov’s exquisite form was deserving of a victory, although you may have a case if you brought to the table, Nani’s theatrics and O’Shea’s Irish luck when he was the last man to foul Torres just outside the area. Guess what? It was O’Shea’s cross that found Berbatov’s winner and you can’t help but wonder what would have happened if he was given his marching orders. Perhaps Howard Webb wasn’t about to face the music if he had sent the defender off, especially after having the audacity to call for a penalty moments earlier.

The scoreline may have flattered Liverpool more than they deserved and with boardroom shake-ups on the horizon, this result may well be the last thing on Liverpudlians’ mind as well. Three points in the bag for the team that badly wanted to win it, and I’m here wondering if it could possibly be the new signings’ lack of appreciation and motivation in this ‘Daddy of Derby’, as coined by Sir Alex.

Post is a replica of blogpost on MySoccerPlace.Net’s from Author.