Monday, February 6th, 2012
Having come back from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1, Manchester United went to the top of the English Premier League and in the process, trampled on Liverpool’s top-four hopes. They also had further good news a few hours later when Chelsea could only draw 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers to leave the Red Devils four points in front of the Londoners despite having played a match more. That means that Alex Ferguson and his men would still be ahead by a point even if Chelsea won their game in hand.
That is often more than enough for a team with the experience of winning titles like Manchester United.
At Old Trafford, the day belonged to South Korean Park Ji Sung as he headed in the winning goal through a brave diving head. Earlier, Liverpool had gone into a shock lead when Fernando Torres, still having the Indian sign over the United defenders, launched himself into a header of his own and powered it past Edwin Van Der Saar. The Merseysiders’ lead did not last long however, as Antonio Valencia raced down on their penalty area and was brought down by Javier Mascherano. Replays suggested that the foul was outside the area but these things are often contested post-match as an exercise in futility since you can never go back and change them. Wayne Rooney duly leveled from the spot and from then on it was United all the way as Liverpool struggled to create any clear cut chances.
It was a disappointing night for Rafael Benitez and what must worry him is the poor form and body language of captain Steven Gerrard. Looking on was England manager Fabio Capello and he would not have been impressed with his vice-captain’s performance. It could signal the decline of a player who was once considered the best midfielder in the world of his type.
Park Ji Sung Celebrates Winning Goal Against Liverpool
Match Highlights of Manchester United vs Liverpool:
Tags: English Premier League, EPL live, Liverpool, Manchester United, Match Highlights, Match Review, Park Ji Sung