BY ANTHONY PALMER
MANCHESTER UNITED BEATS LIVERPOOL 2-1 IN JUICY GAME
Louis van Gaal’s Manchester united faced Brendon Rogers mighty Reds Liverpool at Anfield today and both teams sat respectfully at the top half of the table, fighting for the points that could move them closer to the top of the table. This thrilling game finished; Manchester united 2 and Liverpool 1, with goal scorer Mata scoring in the 14 and 59 minute to wrap up the game for the red devils, whilst Anfield’s goal scorer Daniel Sturridge was on evidently on target for Liverpool. The game was a levelled game throughout with Liverpool claiming 41 % possession while Manchester united claimed 59%.
Juan Mata helped Manchester United win a spectacular two goals taking them a huge step further towards the UEFA Champions League qualification. The Spaniard struck in each half, his second goal was a phenomenal shot, making Liverpool’s reign come to an end in the league this year.
Steven Gerrard was sent off just 38 seconds into what will likely to be his final Liverpool appearance against United, leaving his squad with just 10 men. The Anfield captain was left on the bench by Brendan Rodgers before being brought on at half-time, only to later be dismissed by referee Martin Atkinson less than a minute after his introduction. Gerrard saw that dreaded red card for stamping on the leg of the Spaniard, meaning he will serve an unfortunate three-match ban that will leave him with only five more Barclays Premier League matches in a Liverpool shirt prior to his move to LA Galaxy. Following in David Beckham’s footsteps some years back.
26 year old midfielder Juan Mata doubled United’s advantage with a goal worthy of being a true trophy winner. He met the net with what I like to call an acrobatic scissor-kick, and Van Gaal’s side were on their way to a five-point gap over Liverpool in the race for fourth.
With only 21 minutes left, Birmingham born- Daniel Sturridge netted a consolation with Liverpool’s first shot on target but the hosts never looked like mounting a comeback and had Simon Mignolet not saved a stoppage-time penalty from Wayne Rooney. After a rocky start, a moment of brilliance from United broke the tummy twisting deadlock between the rivals in the 14th minute, we saw Mata silence the home fans with a goal to be remembered. He ran down the right side to perfection, meeting a superb ball from Herrera and slotted the shot across the goal into the bottom-left corner of the net.
Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson struggled to keep their possession in midfield, letting the whole team down. Despite all their dominance, United also failed to create any further clear-cut first-half opportunities and could have been punished by Adam Lallana in the 35th minute.
34 year old Gerrard, was thrown into the uproar in place of Lallana at the break, but he was soon making his way off the field in disappointment. He appeared to win the ball back in the initially but then stamped on Man United Spaniard’s leg, leaving Referee Atkinson with no choice but to show him a glossy red card.
After 59 minutes- Liverpool’s task grew ultimately harder when Juan Mata finished well from Angel Di Maria’s lofted pass, they pulled one back in the just before the 70th minute when De Gea was beaten by Daniel Sturridge’s shot from Brazilian Philippe Coutinho’s pass at his near post.
Unfortunately there was to be no grandstand finish that we hoped. Although, with Rooney denied from the spot by a fine Mignolet stop to his right after Emre Can had brought down Daley Blind. All in all, the game was juicy, but the next line up’s we have set are the true ones to watch. In just under a fortnight’s time, we will see Arsenal playing at the Emirates against the Reds Liverpool, kick off scheduled at 12:45 with Manchester United taking on “The Lions” Aston Villa at home.
