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

• Match on 23^rd September 2012 from 1330 BST.
• Match live on ESPN and ESPN HD from 1755 IST.
• Match taking place at Anfield.

Does it get bigger than this? No, the North West derby is by far the greatest rivalries in England. Two teams separated by just 33 miles on road, but separated by a lot of rivalries and bitter incidents, the most recent one in October of 2011, when Luis Suarez was handed 8-match ban and£40,000 for having called Patrice Evra a racist word. These two teams have won a total of 119 trophies between them, which includes 37 top flight titles, 18 FA Cups, 12 League Cups, 8 Champions Leagues, 3 Europa Leagues and 34 domestic charity shields.

North West Derby dates back to 1895, when the 1^st match between the two teams was played. That instance of the fixture ended up comfortably winning the match by 7-1. Even though the all-time record is in favor of Manchester United with 72-51-62, one should never take Liverpool lightly in this fixture. The latest instance of this fixture ended up with a 2-1 victory Manchester United.

With both teams issuing statements condemning the chants against the disasters faced by the teams, this match will be one of the most anticipated matches off-late. Also, this is the 1st Premier League match that Liverpool is playing at Anfield after the Hillsborough Independent Panel had submitted their report few days back.

Liverpool

Liverpool are going into this fixture sitting beside the relegation zone with 2 points after scoring only 3 goals in their 4 premier league games, while they have conceded 8 goals in those matches. The main worry for any Liverpool fan would the inability of the main striker Luis Suarez to find the back of the net. He has featured as the Center Forward in all 4 of Liverpool Premier League matches, but has netted only 2 goals, even though he has had umpteen chances.

The Liverpool defense is another cause of concern. They have leaked 8 goals, of which 4 have been gifts to the opposition.

But then, there is something that would lift some pressure off any Liverpool fan. That would be the outcome of their 1^st European league match in almost 2 years, where the Liverpool ‘reserve’ won 5-3 against a full strength BSC Young Boys Bern of Switzerland in Bern.

Expected Line-up: Reina; Kelly, Agger, Skrtel, Johnson; Allen, Shelvey, Gerrard; Sterling, Suarez, Borini

Key Players: Joe Allen, Jonjo Shelvey, Raheem Sterling, Luis Suarez

Manchester United

Manchester United would be one the happier off the teams going into the fixture with a decent run of 4 victories in all competitions, the last fixture being a home European match against Galatasaray, which they ended up winning by 1-0.

Wayne Rooney will not feature in this fixture with the striker stretchered off few weeks back, while Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are also expected to miss this match, as the presence of Nemanja Vidic will be at most crucial for the Devils.

United has already scored 10 goals of which 3 had been scored by their star signing, Robin van Persie against Southampton FC, which they have conceded 5 goals in their 4 matches, which might be a worry for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Expected Line-up: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Carrick, Scholes; Valencia, Kagawa, Nani; van Persie

Key Players: Shinji Kagawa, Paul Scholes, Robin van Persie

Previous Season Meeting

At Anfield: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United (Gerrard, Hernandez)

At Old Trafford: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool (Rooney ^[2], Suarez)

2012-13 So Far

Liverpool

(L) 3-0 vs. West Bromwich Albion FC at The Hawthorns

(D) 2-2 vs. Manchester City FC at Anfield

(L) 0-2 vs. Arsenal FC at Anfield

(D) 1-1 vs. Sunderland AFC at The Stadium of Light

Manchester United

(L) 1-0 vs. Everton FC at Goodison Park

(W) 3-2 vs. Fulham FC at Old Trafford

(W) 3-2 vs. Southampton FC at St. Mary’s Stadium

(W) 4-0 vs. Wigan Athletic FC at Old Trafford

Prediction

Liverpool FC 2-2 Manchester United FC

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[Match Day 4] Sunderland AFC vs. Liverpool FC: Preview

• Match at 1730 BST on Saturday, 15^th September 2012.
• Telecast in India on ESPN from 2155 IST.
• Match taking place at The Stadium of Light.

Liverpool travel to Sunderland this weekend to face Martin O’Neill and his men in what promises to be a repeat of the Arsenal debacle, unless Brendan Rodgers can make them score.

The Merseysiders are off to their worst start to a new season in a long time, which has left Rodgers under enormous pressure.

However, his relentless belief in winning games “the Liverpool way” is admirable.

Most new managers who have made the step up to a big club would have had their hand forced under in such circumstances. It has not been the case for Rodgers, so far.

Sunderland FC will look to improve on their league position from last year. In Martin O’Neill, they have a man whose tactical acumen alone will promise them safety from relegation.

Sunderland, with two points from two, currently occupy the 13^th spot in the Premiership standings while Liverpool just have the two clubs trailing them; as they find themselves in the danger zone with just a solitary point to show for in three games played.

Sunderland

Sunderland should get back Lee Cattermole, Phil Bardsley, Wes Brown and David Vaughan into their match day squad for the Reds' visit, as they search for their first league win in the 2012-13 term.

Winger Adam Johnson is likely to miss with a thigh injury, after he withdrew from the England squad for their World Cup qualifiers with Moldova and Ukraine.

Expected Line-up: Mignolet; Cuéllar, O’ Shea, Gardener, McClean; Cattermole, Sessegnon, Colback, Richardson; Larsson, Campbell

Liverpool

Liverpool, embarrassingly, occupy a spot in the relegation zone as it stands in 18th, and despite their rivals not seriously harboring thoughts of fare welling them to the Championship at season's end, it's nonetheless a horrific start to Brendan Rodgers' reign at Anfield.

Adding further scarlet to the faces of those on Merseyside is that they are struggling with a near-fit squad, with just Joe Cole (hamstring) and Lucas (thigh) their only casualties early in the season.

If Liverpool are looking for motivation, the report from Hillsborough Independent Panel on Wednesday might just provide exactly that.

Expected Line-up: Reina; Enrique, Agger, Skrtel, Johnson; Gerrard, Allen, Sahin; Sterling, Suarez, Borini.

Previous Season Meeting

At The Stadium of Light: Sunderland AFC 1-0 Liverpool FC (Bendtner)

At Anfield: Liverpool FC 1-1 Sunderland AFC (Suarez, Larsson)

Key Players

Sunderland: Sessegnon, Larsson

Liverpool: Allen, Gerrard

2012-13 So Far

Liverpool

(L) 3-0 vs. West Bromwich Albion FC at The Hawthorns

(D) 2-2 vs. Manchester City FC at Anfield

(L) 0-2 vs. Arsenal FC at Anfield

Sunderland AFC

(D) 0-0 vs. Arsenal FC at The Emirates

(Postponed) vs. Reading FC at The Stadium of Light

(D) 2-2 vs. Swansea City AFC at Liberty Stadium

Prediction

Sunderland AFC 0-1 Liverpool FC

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[Match Day 3] Liverpool vs. Arsenal: Preview

• Match live on ESPN and ESPN HD on Sunday from 17.55 IST.
• There have been seven 90th minute or later goals scored in the last seven Premier League games between Liverpool and Arsenal and five in the last four.
• Liverpool have picked up just 19 points in 21 Premier League games in 2012.
• Arsenal have won just one of their last seven Premier League matches, but five of the other six games have been draws.

A heavyweight clash at Anfield sees Liverpool and Arsenal look for their first victories of the season after a summer of change for both sides. Brendan Rodgers’ side have one loss and one draw, whereas Arsene Wenger has two goalless draws so far.

Liverpool

Liverpool were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by West Bromwich Albion on the opening day and were ahead twice against champions Manchester City last weekend before succumbing to a 2-2 draw. Silly defensive mistakes cost Rodgers his first victory as Reds boss and the Scotsman is hoping for the victory he has craved as Liverpool manager. An added element for the game sees Nuri Sahin, who decided to join Liverpool ahead of Arsenal, available to make his debut for the Reds.

As well as Sahin, Daniel Agger is back available for the Reds after serving a suspension. Sebastian Coates replaced Agger in last week’s draw against City and is expected to drop to the bench. Lucas Leiva has been ruled out for three months with the thigh problem suffered last time out, but Rodgers has a fully-fit squad available. One player who will not play is Charlie Adam after the Scottish international completed a £4m move to Stoke City, while Jay Spearing and Andy Carroll completed loan moves to Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United, repectively.

Arsenal

Arsenal’s summer has been eventful once again after the departures of Robin van Persie and Alex Song to Manchester United and Barcelona respectively. Theo Walcott’s future was in doubt before the transfer deadline, but the England international has not left for another club this summer. Arsenal have started the season looking promising, but they have failed to score and have goalless draws at home to Sunderland and away at Stoke City.

Wenger has Laurent Koscielny available from a calf injury and the Frenchman is expected to slot back into the centre of defence. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny faces a fitness test on a rib injury and Vito Mannone could again feature in goal, hoping to build on the clean sheet kept at the Britannia Stadium last weekend. The Gunners have lost another striker in Nicklas Bendtner, who has signed for Juventus on a season long loan.

This corresponding fixture last season saw Robin van Persie’s double give Arsenal the victory that inspired them on to a third placed finish. Liverpool vs Arsenal always throws up classic fixtures and there is optimism for another great game with both sides keen to get their win tallies underway.

Probable Line-ups

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Allen, Sahin, Gerrard; Sterling, Suarez, Borini

Arsenal: Mannone; Jenkinson, Mertersacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Arteta, Diaby, Cazorla; Podolski, Giroud, Gervinho

Players to watch out

Liverpool – Allen, Sahin, Suarez

Arsenal – Arteta, Cazorla, Podolski, Giroud

Last Meeting

• ·         At Anfield: Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal (Koscielney [OG], van Persie 31’, 90+2’)
• ·         At Emirates: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool (Ramsey [OG], Suarez)

Prediction

Liverpool 2-0 Arsenal

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[Match Day 2] Liverpool FC vs. Manchester City: Review

·         Martin Skrtel (34’)	Yaya Toure (63’)
·         Luis Suarez (66’)	Carlos Tevez (80’)

Carlos Tevez pounced on a Martin Skrtel mistake to continue his Manchester City rehabilitation by snatching a 2-2 draw for the Barclays Premier League champions at Liverpool.

The Argentinian, now firmly back in favour, seized on a backpass to strike his side's second equaliser and prevent Man City slipping to their first Premier League defeat of the season.

Liverpool were much-improved after crashing 3-0 at West Bromwich Albion in their opening match and twice led a pulsating clash with goals from Skrtel and Luis Suarez either side of a Yaya Toure effort.

But new manager Brendan Rodgers was denied his first league win as City again produced the sort of fightback they are beginning to specialise in. After coming from behind to win their last three League games 3-2, a City side which showed five changes had to settle for a draw this time.

Liverpool dominated for large spells with 17-year-old striker Raheem Sterling impressing on his first league start and Joe Allen looking composed on his home debut. Mario Balotelli partnered Tevez up front for City on his first start since being sent off at Arsenal last April - and on a ground where he was dismissed last year - but despite looking focused, had a quiet game.

Liverpool showed early intent as captain Steven Gerrard twice stabbed low long-range shots wide in the opening three minutes.

Yet the game had hardly started when Liverpool were forced to make a change as Lucas, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, hobbled off after four minutes. Liverpool should have gone ahead when the lively Sterling whipped in a fine cross for Fabio Borini but the Italian volleyed wide.

Tevez almost made him pay instantly as he latched on to a well-weighted pass from Samir Nasri and rounded Reina but the angle was too tight and he did well enough to hit the far post.

Kolo Toure tried his luck with a long-range shot but Skrtel blocked and a free-kick on the edge of the area came to nothing after Balotelli robbed Sebastian Coates and was tripped by Martin Kelly.

Liverpool then began to establish control with Sterling particularly looking a handful. Kolo Toure blocked an effort by Fabio Borini, Suarez curled wide and City captain Vincent Kompany almost sliced a vicious low curling cross from Gerrard into his own net. The Reds were not to be denied any longer as Skrtel came forward for the resulting corner and powered a header past Joe Hart from Gerrard's cross.

With Liverpool dominating the second half, City boss Roberto Mancini began to ring the changes and City were back level on 63 minutes, although that owed much to defensive mistakes. Tevez beat Sterling on the right and fired in a cross which the outstretched Reina was unable to claim. Kelly was wrong-footed by the Spaniard's attempts to gather and could not prevent the ball bouncing off him into the path of Yaya Toure, who swept home from close range.

But Liverpool did not dwell on the disappointment and produced the perfect response. Jack Rodwell was penalised for handball 25 yards from goal and Suarez stepped up to bend in a low effort. Yet just as it seemed Liverpool had the measure of the champions, Skrtel gifted them a way back into the game as Tevez seized on his poor pass back and calmly beat Reina.

Liverpool still wanted all three points and Jonjo Shelvey shot over from distance before Andy Carroll came on to a huge roar in the closing minutes.

City also pushed forward and Dzeko twice missed the target late on. In a frenetic finale, Carroll then almost grabbed a last-gasp winner as he got his head to a Suarez cross only for Kompany to head off the line.

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[Match Day 2] Liverpool FC vs. Manchester City FC: A Preview

• Live on ESPN from 20.25 IST.
• Liverpool have not lost at home to Manchester City since May 2003, when Nicolas Anelka's late winner was enough to overcome Milan Baros' opener, on the Frenchman's return to Anfield.
• The Reds' 3-0 loss to West Brom last week was their worst ever opening in top flight football for 75 years.
• Jose Reina is all set to emulate Graeme Souness’ and Alan Kennedy's appearance record of 359 for the club.
• After playing against Hearts midweek Joe Allen has now made 100 passes for Liverpool in two competitive appearances, with 96 of them finding their target.
• Manchester City have now won seven Premier League matches on the bounce.
• In between the years 2010 and 2012, Joe Hart is the top-flight goalkeeper who has kept the most clean sheets with 35. Liverpool's Reina is in second place, with 26.
• The last game Roberto Mancini's side did not win was their 1-0 reverse at Emirates Stadium on April 8, a defeat that, at the time, looked like ending their hopes of sealing the Premier League title.
• Samir Nasri and Carlos Tevez have started the season in form. Both the Frenchman and Argentine netted in City's Community Shield win over Chelsea and their opening victory against Southampton.

Brendan Rodgers opted to rest several key figures for Thursday night's Europa League qualification clash against Hearts in anticipation for the visit of the Premier League champions.

Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Martin Skrtel and Glen Johnson should all be recalled to the Reds’ starting XI. Jose Enrique could also be back in contention after missing the opening game of the season due to a knock sustained in training.

Daniel Agger serves a one-match suspension after his red card against West Brom, while both Andy Carroll and Joe Cole (hamstrings) are unlikely to feature.

Roberto Mancini will have to make do without the services of Sergio Aguero (knee) for a month after the striker was stretchered off last Sunday against Southampton. Mario Balotelli is likely to have recovered sufficiently from conjunctivitis to step in to partner Carlos Tevez up front.

Gareth Barry (hernia) and Micah Richards (ankle) continue to be absent for the visitors, meaning that Jack Rodwell should be able to build upon his debut last week, with another run out at Anfield.

Liverpool

Liverpool will be looking to rebound from the disappointing loss last Saturday. The loss of Agger will cause problems, but the decision not to appeal the red flag was a good one as Agger now will only miss the game against Manchester City rather than missing two games.

Prior to the loss to West Bromwich, Liverpool had won three straight games, the last two by 3-1 and 3-0 scores. They definitely want to get back to that type of result, but it will be difficult against Man City.

Although it's very early in the season, Liverpool doesn't want to fall behind too far, so a win would obviously be very good here. A win against Man City would pull them even with them in the standings.

Manchester City

When you're on a winning streak, you don't want to stop it, even if only one of the games have been in the regular season. Given the fact that they haven't been exactly successful against Liverpool will even give them more motivation to continue that winning streak.

Starting off the season with two straight wins would be a great start to defending the Premier League title.

Probable Line-ups

Liverpool

Reina; Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Johnson; Lucas, Gerrard, Allen; Downing, Borini, Suarez

Manchester City

Hart; Zabaleta, Lescott, Kompany, Clichy; Nasri, Rodwell, Toure, Silva; Tevez, Balotelli

Player to watch out

Liverpool - Joe Allen, Luis Suarez

Manchester City - Tevez, Toure, Silva

Last Meeting

• At Anfield: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City (Kompany, Lescott [OG])
• At Etihad: Manchester City 3-0 Liverpool (Aguero, Y. Toure, Milner)

Prediction

Liverpool 2-3 Manchester City

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