If you have ever seen a Manchester United vs. Liverpool game, you know the rivalries. Steven Gerrard vowed midweek to “halt Uniteds title run”, too bad that’s easier said than done. In Liverpool, the Scouser’s were going crazy, and the two teams promised an exciting game! 

Liverpool 0- Man UTD 1 

Many believed United had taken a very cautious approach to Anfield, and in the first forty-five minutes, Liverpool almost punished them on numerous occasions. However a defensive duo shut the door on more than once. Edwin van der Sar kept United in the game with world class saves,while Rio Ferdinand, was in inspired form. But when John Arne Riise stepped up with a free-kick out side the box, the Norwegian nearly opened the scoring at the “Kop End”. After being tipped off, it whistled just past the post. United seemed content to attack on the break. Cristiano Ronaldo had a chance to change all that. Unfortunately he just missed the target! It went into half time scoreless. 

After the half time break, Liverpool again had the better chances. The Merseysider’s came out as though they meant business. Liverpool skipper, Steven Gerrard put it just over the cross bar. The big Dutch ‘keeper again kept United in the game. After a through ball, Craig Bellamy shot only to be turned away by the United number one. Liverpool continued to create all the chances, but couldn’t put them away. They thought that changed, when the Welshman, Bellamy, put the ball into the net. However, it was deemed offside…correctly. Gerrard, Bellamy, and Riise all had chances but blew them. Anfield was beginning to get worried. Mikael Silvestre was brought on for Patrice Evra, to deal with the Liverpool player’s height. After a sickening high boot in the thigh from Jamie Carragher, Wayne Rooney was forced off with his thigh bleeding. Carragher was yellow carded. On came the Irishman, John O’Shea. United thought they should have had a penalty, and replay’s proved they were right. Daniel Agger clipped Louis Saha in the box, only for strong appeals to be turned away. 

When a Man UTD attack broke down, a Liverpool counter attack was on.Rushing back, Captain Gary Neville, took down Jermaine Pennant. He earned a yellow card for the tackle. Minutes later, United was dealt a huge blow…Paul Scholes was red carded. After lashing out at Xabi Alonso, he was the recipient of Manchester United’s first red of the season. Liverpool almost took immediate advantage. Peter Crouch’s shot was destined for the back of the net, but again van der Sar, turned them away brilliantly! When the fourth official signaled four minutes of additional time, many believed the host’s would find the winner.

After Ryan Giggs drew a foul in the “Kop End”, fortunes changed. Giggs and Ronaldo were all business, knowing this could be a season defining moment. It turned out to be. Ronaldo fizzed in a low drive, Liverpool goalkeeper Reina parried it, but couldn’t keep control of the ball. Substitute John O’Shea slammed it into the roof of the net. The United fan’s exploded, and the Kop end, went completely silent. As the United players wheeled away in celebration, you could see Sir Alex, dancing on the touch-line! Fans wondered if O’Shea would ever score a more important goal. Anfield was in shock. Many felt United were lucky to get one point, and definitely did not deserve three points. The commentator said it best, “ISNT THAT JUST THE HALLMARK OF CHAMPIONS?!”  It was virtually the last kick of the game. The goal seemed to drain Liverpool, and when the final whistle blew, United celebrated by running over to the visiting fans… and partied as if they’d won the title with that win.  Many believe they did… 

United are now 12 points clear of second place, Chelsea.