Manchester United came from behind to retain their slender lead at the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 victory to all but kill Rafa Benitezs “guarantee” of 4th spot this term.
Park Ji-Sung produced the winner after an hour, after Wayne Rooney’s 33rd goal of the season had brought them on level terms with Fernando Torres’ fifth-minute opener.
With Chelsea drawing with Blackburn a few hours later it meant United went two points clear of Arsenal and four points of Chelsea (who have a game in hand). It was a nervy game for United but Liverpool have stood still as a team since their victory in the corresponding fixture last season.
This fixture has recently been the Merseysiders “Cup Final” and one in which they raise their game highlighted by the fact that they had won the last three outings.
All eyes were on Vidic who had also been dismissed in the previous three meetings with Torres giving him particular problems. Five minutes into the contest, Torres pounced on a loose ball given away by Michael Carrick, and brought Gerrard into play. Torres made his way into the box and by the time Kuyt crossed the ball into the box he was alone to head past Van Der Sar.
United showed their resolve and were not to be behind for long.
Benitez argued Mascherano’s tried to pull Valencia down outside the box while Ferguson stated the midfielder had prevented a clear opportunity to get a goal.
The two managers continued their argument even after Rooney had finished from the rebound from the penalty spot after Reina saved his initial shot.
The decisive goal then arrived at the hour mark.
As Fletcher received the ball on the right flank, Neville cleverly flew past on the overlap providing a distraction to Insua who had been tormented by Valencia all afternoon. Fletcher exploited the confusion and whipped in a delightful cross. Park dived to reach the ball and his powerful header was too good for Reina.
Torres should have equalised for Liverpool late on but couldn’t connect properly with a simple cross and Benayoun headed the hig ball straight at van der Sar.
United had broken the Liverpool hoodoo and Liverpool are staring at a top 8 finish instead of the guaranteed 4th spot.
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