On personal level, I was quite disappointed with the 1-1 draw result. Obviously we could have won by 1 or 2 goals more. But overall, I am pleased on how the team responded after United drew level.
It was a much awaited game, Liverpool v Man Utd. The return of captain fantastic to the starting 11 lifted everyone's spirit obviously, from players to the fans. He deservedly receive the man-of-the-match award for the way he took the game. Even scoring a goal in the process.
A draw was not an ideal result, but it is better than a lost. There are so many positives can be taken from the game against United.
Some might say that United fielded a weakened side. I have to disagree with this view. I say United just fielded the best 'defensive' line-up that they have. With both Rooney and Nani on the bench, Fergie went with 2 defensive midfielders in Jones and Fletcher. After 3 losses at Anfield, Fergie can't bear for another nightmare. A wise move indeed.
There was nothing to shout about for both teams during the 1st half. To me, it was rather dull. Things only started to get interesting on the 2nd half.
A few players obviously didn't have a good game on that day. Lucas, was among them. His passes was not up to the mark and he looked a bit 'tired'. Understandably he just came back after joining the Brazilian national team. I expected more from him though. Gerrard, after 7 months lay-off, he got his first start and his first half performance was just at par. Still it was considered acceptable when this is actually a 'big' game and how he conducted himself. Stevie would have given a much more energetic performance if he had a few 90 minutes games prior to this. Charlie Adam is still trying to imposed himself. There was nothing spectacular from him either and to me he just did 'ok'.
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| Photograph: Getty images |
My only regret was the team looked as though they were satisfied after Stevie's goal. Fergie sent in Rooney and Nani, then everyone just waited for United to come at them. Undoubtedly, their goal was a good goal but it can be avoided if they keep on pressuring the United defense instead of letting them do the attacking.
However, they were quick to change the tempo of the game after Hernandez equalized and kept the ball to do the attacking themselves. Only the superb performance from De Gea saved United from another lost at Anfield.
I wonder what would have happened if Bellamy had played. With his pace and his linkup play with Enrique things could have been different. Downing had a good game himself with a few dangerous crosses coming from him, but a speedy Bellamy could have given Smalling more pressure. I'm sure the decision not to include Bellamy was a calculated one.
A win would have close the gap to 3 points and will give Liverpool a psychological edge to United. It could still be a big plus, knowing that Stevie G and his teammates are not at full-steam. 1 year ago, we were at 19th position after 8 games and now with the same games played we are at 5th. I'm pretty sure, this squad will grow stronger as the season carries on.
We will be there, we will finish in the top 4 and we will be in Europe next season.
YNWA
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