Manchester United vs Liverpool: five talking points

Manchester United beat rivals Liverpool 2-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday, with star striker Robin Van Persie yet again stealing the show for the Devils. Van Persie scored a deft tap in to give United the lead, before his inch perfect free-kick resulted in a thumping header from Patrice Evra to double the lead; although the goal was credited to Nemanja Vidic as the last touch came of the Serbian.

Daniel Sturridge would then score a textbook poacher’s goal within three minutes, after Steven Gerrard‘s shot was palmed away by David De Gea. United would ultimately withstand the late pressure from their despised foes to move ten points clear (albeit, temporarily) at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Five talking points from the game were:

1) Robin Van Persie is in irresistible form

The Flying Dutchman was the difference between United and their opponents yet again, and was a constant thorn in the side of Liverpool’s defence. Gifted with several free-kicks in dangerous situations by, at times, an alarmingly poor defence, he showcased his creative side, setting up Evra’s header. His finish from Evra’s sublime defence splitting pass (which may or may not have been meant for him) was excellent as always.

Van Persie’s influence was spread throughout the game, and Reina’s last gasp save of an excellent back heel from Van Persie denied the striker a brace. As a result of his excellent form, the defence doubled their duties in order to keep him in check, resulting in Danny Welbeck finding more chances.

2) Michael Carrick was the real hero

With Brendan Rodgers getting his tactics wrong by starting both Lucas and Joe Allen, it resulted in Liverpool getting roasted in the midfield battle in the first half. Although the headlines will go to Evra and Van Persie, Carrick’s brilliance was instrumental in United’s domination. He never once let the ball go to waste, and was constantly pressing the Liverpool rearguard when he did lose the ball. He was able, to a large degree, nullify the threat of Gerrard, which in turn isolated Suarez from the midfield.

Despite the non-existent showing from the opposition in the opening 45 minutes, nothing should be taken away from him. It isn’t easy to combat Gerrard in any situation, and he also had the assistance of Cleverly. In the second half, he was still up to the task, as the Reds started to slowly insert their dominance at Old Trafford. He was far better than opposite numbers Allen and half-fit Lucas.

The intensity and energy displayed by United’s midfield was a crucial factor. The Reds lacked the energy that Henderson ultimately provided, and as a whole they should have put greater pressure on the United midfield, than running around like headless chickens. Allen, Sterling, Gerrard and Lucas were all to blame, as Downing was surprisingly the pick of the bunch.

3) Rodgers got his tactics wrong with Allen/Lucas/Henderson

When on form, Lucas Leiva, is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, but he was hopelessly unfit against United. He was still better for the 45 minutes he was on, than Allen for his 80 minutes. The Welshman seemed to think he was at Anfield, by constantly passing to Red shirts. While on the other hand, Jordan Henderson, who is finally being praised for his performances was inexplicably dropped in favour of an unfit Lucas and an out-of-form Allen.

The visitors should have started with Gerrard and Henderson, while keeping Sturridge on the bench was a good idea due to lack of match fitness. Allen was constantly overrun by Kagawa, Cleverly and Carrick. He seemed to crack under pressure and should have been substituted far earlier. Rodgers is still a young manger, 32 years younger than Ferguson, and is slowly learning on the job. His substitutions turned the tide in Liverpool’s favour, proving his excellent knack for them. But it would have been far easier, if he never had to worry about getting the substitutions right.

4) Daniel Sturridge and Fabio Borini were game changers

Liverpool had one shot on goal in the first half, which wasn’t even on target. In the second half, they had a further thirteen shots on goal! Sturridge’s arrival allowed Suarez to drop deeper and cause havoc , which ultimately resulted in the likes of Johnson and Borini getting more involved in the attacks. The link up between Sturridge and Suarez was promising, and may just be the start of a beautiful striking partnership.

Sturridge’s goal was everything that the Reds had been missing since Torres. A poacher, who just sprinted past the last defender to score a controlled goal after the initial save. His movement also caused the United defence problems and could finally fullfill his much vaunted potential in Merseyside. Borini may have been half-fit, but made up for it by working hard and passing the ball neatly. He nearly scored with a half volley too. If Liverpool had played like that in the first half as well, it definitely could have been them basking in the glory of derby day.

5) Crucial month ahead for both teams

Man United maybe sitting pretty, seven points clear of City, but face three extremely challenging games over the next 30 days, games that could have huge implications for their season. They face Tottenham and Everton in the league, two teams that beat United earlier on, before the big one against Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho was in the stands at Old Trafford, perhaps scouting his opponents. It is imperative that United go to Madrid on a hot streak, as they will be keen to erase the recent horrific memories of their encounters with Spanish teams.

Liverpool travel to City and Arsenal this month, and it is crucial that they pick up some results at those games to to save their already declining chances of a Top finish. The Reds have yet to beat a team above them in the league, failing to close out different games against United, City and Spurs, that they should have won. It would be a massive boost to their morale if they put on a good showing at the Etihad and can also put on a good performance against a similarly flaky Arsenal.