[Match Day 5] Liverpool FC vs. Manchester United FC: Review

Robin van Persie's late penalty earned Manchester United a controversial 2-1 victory over 10-man Liverpool in their Barclays Premier League match at Anfield.

The Dutch striker secured the win when he fired his spot-kick past Pepe Reina after Glen Johnson had brought down Luis Antonio Valencia, who fell down at the slightest touch, and it moved United into second spot in the table with 12 points, one point behind leaders Chelsea.

The first match at Anfield since the Hillsborough report cleared Liverpool's fans of blame for the deaths of 96 of their number at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final, sparked into life after 39 minutes when Liverpool’s Jonjo Shelvey was red-carded for a studds-up challenge on Jonny Evans.

However, the home side went ahead straight after half-time through Steven Gerrard's shot in the area. United hit back after 51 minutes through Rafael Da Silva's curling shot before Van Persie's late strike meant that after five games Liverpool are still looking for their first league win of the season and still remain in the relegation zone.

One of the fiercest rivalries in football was briefly put to one side before kick-off as players and fans from both clubs respectfully marked a tribute to those killed in the Hillsborough tragedy.

Once the whistle went, it was Liverpool who settled down quicker, controlling the much of the first period. Gerrard went close to giving them the lead while Fabio Borini had a half chance.

After 39 minutes Liverpool's hopes of a first league victory were hit when Shelvey went in feet first in on Evans and was shown a red card by referee Mark Halsey.

The red card looked like turning the match in United's favour but it was Liverpool who took the lead a minute into the second period. Johnson surged into the United area and when the ball looped up to Gerrard, the Liverpool captain had time to slam a precise left-footed shot past Anders Lindegaard.

The celebrations around Anfield were soon silenced when Rafael equalised six minutes later, curling a left-foot shot beyond the reach of Reina from a tight angle on the right.

Making their extra man count, United began to enjoy more possession although Liverpool, despite being down to 10 men, continued to show a threat.

Luis Suarez blasted a shot across the face of goal, but as Liverpool continued pushing men forward in search of victory Valencia seized possession in his own half and set off on a run that was ended by a foul in the penalty area from Johnson.

Van Persie, who missed from the spot this season for United, had to wait four minutes as Daniel Agger received treatment but he kept his cool to send a left-footed effort into the corner despite Reina almost saving it.

Match Ratings

Jose Reina: Should have done better. 6

Martin Kelly: Excellent on the right flank for Liverpool. 7

Daniel Agger: Had a good game. Substituted at 81' after sustaining an injury. 7

Martin Skrtel: Had a good game. 7

Glen Johnson: Had a good game going forward, but his mistakes led to both the goals. 7

Joe Allen: Excellent performance for the entire match. 8

Steven Gerrard: Captain Fantastic delivers again in an important match. Man of the Match. 9

Jonjo Shelvey: Good till he got the red card. A moment of foolishness cost the team the game. 6

Fabio Borini: Was really good in the first half. Substituted at half-time after sustaining a swollen ankle. 6

Luis Suarez: Was able to go past the United defenders with ease more often. A penalty was turned down against Suarez. 8

Raheem Sterling: Was excellent on the right flank. Got past Evra with ease. Was substituted with Jordan Henderson to give stability to the midfield. 8

Substitutes

Suso: Brilliant. The debutant didn't show a nerve during the high intensity match. Came in for Borini at half-time. 8

Jordan Henderson: Held the midfield together once he was sent in by Rodgers. Came in for Raheem Sterling at 66’. 7.5

Jamie Carragher: Held the defense together without letting in another goal. Came in for Agger after Agger sustained a knee injury. N/A

Stats

LIVERPOOLV.MANCHESTER UNITED

·Attack

1	Goals	2
14	Total Shots (including blocked shots)	8
6	Shots on target	3
2	Blocked Shots	2
4	Shots from outside the box	5
10	Shots from inside the box	3
50%	Shot Accuracy (excluding blocked shots)	50%
52%	Possession (%)	48%
46.80%	Duels won (%)	53.20%
55.60%	Aerial Duels Won (%)	44.40%
13	Interceptions	16
0	Offsides	1
7	Corners	3
459	Total Passes	420
11.10%	Long Passes (%)	11.70%
84.70%	Passing Accuracy (%)	85%
72.20%	Passing Accuracy opp. Half (%)	77.40%
26	Total Crosses	18
15.40%	Successful Crosses (%)	33.30%
23	Tackles	29
69.60%	Tackles Won (%)	72.40%
19	Clearances	44
14	Fouls Conceded	7
1	Yellow Cards	2
1	Red Cards	0

Man of the Match: Steven Gerrard

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