It was a very happy Christmas and New Year for Manchester
United, as they have opened up a seven points lead in the Premier League over
Manchester City, who would visit Emirates Stadium later in the afternoon. The
red-hot Robin Van Persie aimed for another heroic performance after he
single-handedly rescued United's FA Cup campaign at Upton Park. Alex Ferguson
opted for a more mobile frontline, featuring Shinji Kagawa and Danny Welbeck,
to attack Liverpool's quick but leader-less back four.
Sir Alex has already conceded the hope of relying on their
vulnerable defence. The once-best central defenders partner, Rio Ferdinand and
Nemanja Vidic, would attempt to contain another red-hot striker Luis Suarez,
although it has been months since they last started together.
The Dutchman who can't stop scoring |
Amidst the free-scoring Red Devil's frontline, Michael
Carrick is the unsounded hero during this 10-game unbeaten run in the league.
Although never a strong-tackling defensive midfielder, Carrick is able to dominate
the tempo with his football intelligence and passing range. No difference to
most of the recent games, Carrick took control of the midfield early in the
game against the conservative Lucas, Gerrard and Joe Allen.
Liverpool's midfield trio was Brendan Rodgers' main weapon
in the passing game, but it turned into a self-destructive tactic at Old
Trafford. Pepe Reina was the first to commit a careless pass in his own half,
followed by Joe Allen. Neither was punished as Van Persie and Welbeck's shots
were blocked.
A more demoralising fact was Liverpool was beaten by some
better passing. Van Persie's clever movement in the box earned him the space to
score United's opening goal, but it was the delicate passes that displaced
Wisdom from the right back to give Patrice Evra loads of time to fire the low
cross. Welbeck, Kagawa and Cleverley barely hung on for more than a touch and
their give-and-go style was anchored by the passing master Michael Carrick. The
England midfielder created another chance through an exceptional diagonal pass
to Rafael just before half time. Skrtel prevented Van Persie from doubling the
lead, but could not avoid the crash between Pepe Reina and Kagawa. The Spaniard
goalkeeper was able to carry on despite the apparent head injury.
Manchester United seldom concede a game when leading at half
time. Their dominance continued after the
interval, despite Ashley Young's departure due to injury. Skrtel escaped from a
potential ejection after a cynical foul on Welbeck, but Evra made him pay by converting
Van Persie's freekick. It was Vidic who was on the scoresheet with the slight
deflection, but how could Liverpool leave Evra unmarked, when he has been on a
scoring streak from freekicks?
Having purchased Daniel Sturridge and Borini back from injury,
Rodgers has more options in tactical changes, along with Fabio Borini the
forgotten man. He dropped Joe Allen back to his favourite position and played
the more aggressive 4-4-2 after half time, with Sturridge playing alongside
Suarez. They saw the benefit of having a second striker shortly after Vidic's
goal. Gerrard stole the ball from Carrick and forced De Gea to parry the shot
away. Sturridge caught Rafael napping and scored in his league debut as a
Liverpool player with an easy tap-in. After all, the Manchester
United-Liverpool matchup is destined to be dramatic and exciting.
Daniel Sturridge re-ignited Liverpool's hope in the 2nd half |
A recurring problem for United was their inability to stay
concentrated. Even Rio Ferdinand, one of the natural leaders in the team,
uncharacteristically misjudged and was lobbed by a high ball. Cleverley, who
was largely solid in the first half, vanished among the black shirts in the
second 45 minutes when Liverpool started to press the midfield. The visitors
got the upper hand and with all three of their available strikers on the field,
the push for the equaliser intensified.
Nevertheless, there was little coordination in between the
attackers. Continuous complacency of Manchester United presented Liverpool with
more chances, but with Downing and Sterling unable to live up to expectation,
threats were limited to Sturridge's wasteful shots. Alex Ferguson tightened the
defence by bringing on Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. The victory was finally
secured although they had only been the second best since leading 2-0.
One goal and a great freekick delivery proved the investment
in Van Persie is worthwhile. Should Brendan Rodgers be a braver man and have
instructed Gerrard to impose pressure on Carrick earlier in the game,
Manchester United would not have enjoyed such a comfortable first half. Young
Sterling and Wisdom could not deliver under the pressure at Old Trafford, but
this is more forgivable than Glen Johnson, who once again proves to be a
susceptible full back.
Alex Ferguson would enjoy the double digit lead momentarily,
but the Red Devils just still has not shown the true spirit of a title winner.
To avoid another heart-broken and embarrassing cough-up in the title race, veterans
like Ferdinand, Evra, Scholes will have to step up and alert the youngsters of
their painful experience last season.
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