Reds topple United to top the table

This was the day many Liverpool supporters were convinced that their team could claim the top four finish they so long for.

Winning our opening two games 1-0 against Stoke City and Aston Villa was pleasing enough. Beating our fiercest rivals at Anfield by the same score line, on a day when three exciting new additions to the squad were watching on from the stands, could prove the catalyst to an unbeaten run that would put the Reds unquestionably in the race for a top four finish and qualification for the Champions League.

New centre backs Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori were accompanied by loan signing Victor Moses as they saw Daniel Sturridge net a crucial goal early on to once again clinch a 1-0 victory for Liverpool. It would be unfair to suggest that it was a case of Sturridge one-United nil, however, as a dedicated and committed team display earned the Merseysiders all three points. Yes, Sturridge, who played despite carrying an injury that he later said discouraged him from shooting, was exceptional yet again, but what really won the game for the home side was an immense defensive effort.

Right from the off, Liverpool’s tempo was excellent, pressing their opponents high up the pitch while retaining a strong and stable defensive shape, with Lucas effectively patrolling in front of a back four whose only change from previous matches saw Skrtel come in from the cold to replace the unfortunately injured Kolo Toure.

This pressing paid dividends after only four minutes, as seven Liverpool players closed down the away side in their left back’s corner, reclaiming possession and allowing Daniel Sturridge to win a corner kick. Gerrard’s subsequent set piece was flicked on by Agger and the Reds’ number 15 was at the back post to nod home from close range.

Sturridge and Skrtel are ecstatic

Manchester United admittedly replied strongly, Young’s left wing corner rolling across the goalmouth with remarkably nobody getting on the end of it, before a superb block from Johnson, which raised unwarranted suspicions of handball, was required to prevent England striker Welbeck unleashing a shot on target.

Liverpool remained in the ascendancy, though, winning the all-important midfield battle. Passing the ball authoritatively and accurately, the hosts’ fluid yet solid midfield three of Lucas, Gerrard and Henderson were too much for United’s static and flat midfield four to cope with. It’s no wonder United boss David Moyes has been searching for an extra midfielder during the summer transfer window; although it is doubtful spending over £20 million on the overrated Marouane Fellaini will resolve the Mancs’ midfield problems.  

United stopper De Gea smothered Gerrard’s free kick and Coutinho sent another set piece high and wide before the break. On the stroke of half time, Robin Van Persie very nearly got himself sent off. Engaging in a pointless scuffle with Martin Skrtel that seems almost obligatory on these sort of occasions, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard recognised the Dutchman had already been cautioned and sought to wind him up further. Frustratingly, the away team’s star striker just about managed to retain his cool and avoid an early bath.

Van Persie almost got himself sent off 

After the interval, United renewed their campaign to secure an equaliser, while Liverpool looked even more determined to keep their opponents out and gain a morale-boosting win ahead of the upcoming international break. On the hour mark, a crucial refereeing decision went in the Reds’ favour, engendering hopes among Kopites that this might just be our day. Referee Andre Marriner adjudged Danny Welbeck to have tumbled too easily under the challenge of Iago Aspas in the penalty area in front of the travelling supporters, to the relief of the home fans.

Liverpool undoubtedly benefited from the stop-start nature of the second half, which allowed them to take a rest from the arduous task of keeping out United while also disrupting any momentum the visitors temporarily built up. Injuries and substitutions, not least to Glen Johnson after a thundering tackle on Evra on the edge of the box, kept the Champions from enjoying a sustained spell of pressure.

The rear guard action of the hosts was effective as well, restricting Moyes’ men to only a few late chances. Mignolet produced a superb save to keep out Nani’s effort from range on 77 minutes and Van Persie fired the wrong side of the post when presented with the clearest goalscoring opportunity the away side managed to craft two minutes from the end of normal time.

In injury time, Liverpool even threatened to put the proverbial cherry on top of the delicious metaphorical cake that was their performance, substitute Raheem Sterling’s shot forcing De Gea to stretch and palm the ball over the bar.

"It is another step for us because we drew too many of the big games last season. It is an indicator that our winning mentality is becoming stronger." Brendan Rodgers

"It's the best we've played this season." David Moyes 

They didn't manage to add to their lead, but nobody inside Anfield cared. They were just overjoyed after a fantastic win had extended Liverpool’s encouraging start to what could be an exciting campaign. With the Reds’ next serious challenge coming in the form of a trip to the Emirates at the start of November, this victory could be the start of a run of form that could prove crucial in the fight for fourth.

In the end, it was a fitting way to celebrate the 100th birthday of the great Bill Shankly.

YNWA