Man Utd 0 Liverpool 3: Gerrard spot kick double inspires comfortable win

Written by dedlfc

The build up to this game surrounded the fact that we were now favourites to beat our old Lancashire rivals at their ground for the first time in almost twenty years.

We again started the game with Allen playing to provide midfield support to Henderson and Gerrard with the three Ss interchanging further up front.

The first early chance fell to Sturridges's weaker right foot again as Henderson slipped a ball into his path, but as in previous games instead of shooting across the keeper who fires wide at the near post. He should have done much better with that so it's a big escape for United.

The promising start continues with Suarez seemingly clipped as he raced into the area by Fellaini, with Suarez showing honesty by remaining on his feet he should be given credit but we all know that this will not happen.

The tackles came flying in with proper challenges flying in first between Gerrard and Jones which leaves the latter winded, before Van Persie slides in hard but fairly on Flanagan.

With us dominating possession and creating chances it was already looking like we were in for a comfortable afternoon.

Man Utd then have their first sight of goal as Fellaini crosses from the left towards the back post for Van Persie. The ball is a little too high for the Dutchman, but he brings it down nonetheless. His first effort is blocked by Skrtel, who then charges down the second attempt, which rolls through to Mignolet. Then, up the other end, Sturridge scuffs another really good opportunity this time with his left foot from eight yards out.

 

Celebrations at the Ruse pub in Borough, London

Joe Allen then spurns a very good chance when a deflected pass drops to him from about 12 yards but his shot bounces into the ground, which takes a lot of the pace off the strike and makes it easy for Utd keeper De Gea to collect. That's made it three really good chances that we had thrown away it was starting to look like one of those days!

In a booking fest both Flanagan for a push on Januzaj and Utd's Rafael for a reckless late challenge on Gerrard got deserved cautions.

A massive decision by referee Clatterburg gave us a penalty with Utd defender Rafael handling the ball to stop Suarez advancing toward goal but inexplicably not being sent off for his second offence in a matter of minutes.

There is no one else that we want taking penalties for us than our captain fantastic Stevie G and he placed the ball with aplomb high into the top right of the Utd goal to give us a deserved lead.

Shortly after putting us ahead Gerrard went into the referee's book for a late challenge on Fellaini.

The first half ended with Utd trying to get to grips with our midfield but apart from Rooney have a well struck half volley palmed away by Mignolet they were unable to influence the game, we had full control and looked to extend our lead in the second half.

A halftime statistic that highlighted our control was that only Mignolet out of the Liverpool players with 17 touches had less touches than Van Persie with 18 touches.

With the second half just starting we all thought that Utd would come out firing but we shocked them with our fantastic quick start. From the whistle we raid forward and when Henderson flicks the ball into the path of Allen, he's pushed to the ground by Phil Jones. 

Up steps Gerrard again and although De Gea guesses correctly, the ball skids beneath and beyond him. It's a long way back for United now.

Shortly afterwards, Rooney is adamant that he should have had a penalty after he's upended by Skrtel right on the edge of the area. Some referees may have given it, but Clattenburg stands firm. Moments later Skrtel is then booked for a foul on Mata.

Moyes continues to avoid making changes to the momentum of us controlling the game, we in fact make the first substitution of the game with a break in play due to Vidic going in the book for a challenge on Suarez, Sterling comes off for Coutinho.

Gerrard then gets a couple of chances to complete his hat-trick with the first one deflecting wide off defender Jones, while the second shot goes over the bar.

Moyes finally decides to make a substitution England internationals Welbeck and Tom Cleverley enter the action. They have replaced Fellaini and Januzaj.

We then win an unheard of 3rd penalty awarded to us to give Stevie G a great chance to secure the first spot kicks hat-trick since Jan Molby in November 1985 and the first Premiership spot kick hat-trick,  the penalty was given as Sturridge threw himself to the floor following a sliding challenge by Vidic, who received his second yellow card in the process. The spot kick collides with the post and Gerrard misses out on Premiership history.

Then follows a great stop from De Gea, who throws himself to his right to deny Suarez's powerful effort from close range. Suarez was not to be denied though and he shortly added to Utd's woes.

 A mis-hit strike from Sturridge rolls into his path and having controlled it with a deft touch, he bends the ball beyond the reach of a helpless De Gea. Our fantastic away support are jubilant and celebrating!

Late change for Liverpool and it's two-goal hero Gerrard that leaves the field to be replaced by Lucas to a standing ovation.  There is also a swap for United, with Mata off and Rio Ferdinand on.

The game then concludes with us celebrating a great win.

Men of the match - Henderson and Allen 

Man Utd: De Gea, Rafael, Jones,  Vidic, Evra, Fellaini  (Cleverley 76,) Carrick, Mata(Ferdinand 87), Rooney, Januzaj(Welbeck 76), Van Persie

Subs: Lindegaard, Young, Valencia, Kagawa.

Booked: Rafael, Vidic.

Sent off: Vidic

Liverpool: Mignolet, Johnson,  Skrtel, Agger, Flanagan, Henderson, Gerrard (Lucas 87), Allen, Sterling(Coutinho 72), Sturridge,  (Aspas 90+1), Suarez

Subs: Brad Jones, Moses, Sakho, Cissokho.

Booked: Flanagan, Gerrard, Skrtel, Sturridge

Goals: Gerrard pen 34, pen 46, Suarez 84

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

Positives

If there was any doubt as to whether we were title contenders, there isn't now. We were in cruise control for so much of the match that it was so relaxing and we all will love the fact that we have battered United at Old Trafford as well.

To get three penalties at Old Trafford is testimony to our attacking and midfield units working so well to get between the lines of the defence and midfield of Utd.

Another clean sheet only breeds further confidence.

Critical Eye

We dominated Utd so much that we should really have had six or seven goals.

It was an emphatic win and a comfortable one at that- we are now officially in the race!