EPL 08/09: Liverpool get their wins against ManU

Saturday, 13 September 08, 03:19 PM · Comments(0)

A late Ryan Babel goal secured Liverpool a 2-1 come-from-behind victory against rivals Manchester United at Anfield this afternoon.

The major talking point during the build-up to the match revolved around the fitness of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, who were only fit to be named as substitutes.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson handed Dimitar Berbatov a debut from the start, while there was no place at all for Cristiano Ronaldo after speculation that he could be named on the bench. Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney started alongside Berbatov, with Tevez starting as a second striker, while Rooney began the game on the right-hand side of midfield. Michael Carrick returned from an ankle injury to start the game.

Rafael Benitez has finally got something to smile about after Liverpool beat Manchester United 2-1 to record his first win over the club's arch rivals in his Anfield career thanks to an own goal from Wes Brown and Ryan Babel's winner.

The Liverpool boss had never beaten United in nine previous league games, with the champions having won the last five meetings between these two giants.

Carlos Tevez put United ahead early on. But after a torrid opening period, Liverpool were level with a Wes Brown own goal before Liverpool dominated the second half and grabbed a priceless win with 13 minutes left.

Liverpool at last started to get into the match as Tevez was booked for a foul on Alvaro Arbeloa and a succession of free-kicks pinned United back.

And they were level after 26 minutes. Xabi Alonso's curling, low shot into the area deflected off Patrice Evra and Van der Sar hurled himself forward.

But he only managed to push the ball on to Brown, who could do nothing about it cannoning off him and over the line. Riera followed the ball in, but it was the United man's last touch.

And on 77 minutes, Liverpool's pressure paid off. Mascherano battled his way down the right and to the line, Kuyt took up possession and played the ball across for Babel to crack home.

United were unable to respond and could not create any clear-cut opportunities to get back into the game. Nemanja Vidic was sent-off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time to rub salt into their wounds after a reckless challenge on Alonso, with Liverpool now celebrating a deserved victory.

kakibangku's verdict: Walk on...walk on...

EPL 08/09: Liverpool get their wins against ManU

A late Ryan Babel goal secured Liverpool a 2-1 come-from-behind victory against rivals Manchester United at Anfield this afternoon.

Leave a comment