Liverpool Put United to the Sword

By Brian Lofrumento | 14th March 2009

Liverpool Put United to the Sword | read this item

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gerrard After thrashing Real Madrid at Anfield midweek, Liverpool continued their good form with a convincing 4-1 win over Manchester United. The game was marred by glaring defensive mistakes, but Rafa Benitez and his team have now cut United’s lead in the league to just four points.

Cristiano Ronaldo got United off to the better start by scoring from a first half penalty. Jose Reina took Ji-Sung Park down in the box, allowing the Portuguese winger to slot home.

Nemanja Vidic, who has arguably been United’s best performer this season, began his miserable day with a terrible mistake. With the ball bouncing back towards him and Fernando Torres breathing down his neck, Vidic chose to let the ball bounce over him. Torres slipped in and coolly finished past van der Sar to level the scores.

Patrice Evra was just as guilty as his defensive counterpart as he lost track of Steven Gerrard and had to foul him when it got too late. Gerrard netted the resulting penalty, putting Liverpool on top going into the half.

The second half looked much brighter for Manchester United, with the Reds enjoying much of the possession. Michael Carrick pulled all the strings for United from midfield, but Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez could not turn the final ball into the back of the net.

It all went from bad to worse when Nemanja Vidic once again was at fault. An untimely slip allowed Gerrard in, and Vidic had no choice but to drag the Liverpool captain down. A red card for Vidic, and the nail in the coffin for United.

When it looked like things couldn’t get worse, Fabio Aurelio scored from the freekick immediately after Vidic left the pitch. Aurelio’s nicely placed freekick left van der Sar rooted to his spot as the ball sailed into the back of the net.

In stoppage time Andrea Dossena added insult to injury as O’Shea mimicked Vidic’s earlier error and allowed the ball to bounce over him. Dossena’s finish was sublime as he chipped van der Sar from 20 yards out.

The result comes as a real shock to Manchester United as it is their first loss in 2009. With the lead only four points now with nine games remaining, both Liverpool and Chelsea will feel there is hope remaining. Still, I can’t help but think it’s too little too late for Liverpool.

Do United remain in the driving seat? Have your say in the comments section or head on over to the Premiership Talk Forum!