Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool - LFC put United to the sword to retain 2nd

Steve Gerrard: Penalty double for LFC

Liverpool visited Old Trafford this afternoon and left with all three points and gave the old foe a footballing lesson in the process. Brendan Rodgers' men simply had too much for the home side who looked a sorry shadow of the side that ruled the Premiership less than a year ago. So alarming has been the regression from the current, and soon to be replaced Champions. The visitors opened the game brightly and never really looked like losing. The home side failed to turn up until after they went 0-1 down to a Steven Gerrard penalty. And then promptly left again after that. 

Rogers named an unchanged side to the one that triumphed over Southampton a fortnight earlier and it looked as if they meant to carry on where they left off. Liverpool harried and pressed their hosts in the early stages to assert their dominance. The breakthrough came on 33 minutes after good work from Daniel Sturridge on the right flank to find his strike partner Luis Suarez in the home side penalty area with an inch perfect cross-field pass. Suarez controlled perfectly before the hapless Rafael needlessly handled the ball to give referee Mark Clattenburg no choice but to point to the spot. The United defender had already earned himself a yellow card for an earlier infringement, but for some reason, Mr. Clattenburg chose not to send him off. 

United had it all to do and for the remainder of the first half, showed glimpses of the pressure they're so used to exerting on visiting sides. The home side had arrived at last. This period brought about their only shot on target up until then, and indeed, for the remainder of the match. Their sole threat Wayne Rooney forcing a brilliant save from Simon Mignolet, pushing the ball away to his right to avoid a certain equaliser. Liverpool held firm as the United front line pushed forward and to bombard crosses into the Liverpool penalty area for the out of sorts Robin Van Persie. The home sides efforts were easily thwarted by stout defending from the LFC back line. 

As far as any resistance from the home side went, that was it. David Moyes looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights of a marauding red juggernaut, and the expectation was that he would change things at half time as any beleaguered manager would do in the face of such a compelling onslaught. Clearly he felt his team would continue the second half as they ended the first and that an equaliser would come. They didn't, and neither did an equaliser. Within two minutes of the restart, Liverpool extended their advantage in similar style to how they got it. The tireless Suarez found Jordan Henderson on the edge of the box. His weighted pass found the run of Joe Allen who was bundled over in spectacular fashion by Phil Jones. Again, Mr. Clattenburg pointed to the spot. Again, Gerrard converted coolly to send the visiting fans and players into raptures. Liverpool were now 0-2 up. 

To make matters worse, a further penalty was awarded to Liverpool after Nemanja Bidic brought Sturridge down in the box to earn himself a red card and reduce the home side to 10 men on 70 minutes. Gerrard was unable to convert on this occasion as his effort crashed against David de Gea's right post. There was no way back for United at this point, and it showed on the face of each and every man, woman and child in the stadium - from both sides and, not least that of Moyes. It took him another five minutes to reply, making a double substitution. Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck on for Marouane Fellaini and the ineffective Adnan Januzaj. The move only served to confirm what trouble the home team were in as Liverpool put the game beyond any doubt, had there been any at this point. 

Following a period of sustained possession without reply, Sturridge picked out Suarez with a through ball that couldn't have been better timed with the best Swiss watch. The Uruguayan gratefully controlled the pass and swept it past the helpless de Gea to complete the 0-3 score line. A result which must raise questions over Moyes ability to take the Red Devils forward. Perhaps shadows of Sir Alex Ferguson's early tenure in the job, but it's time for Moyes to crack the whip and knock his troops into shape. They simply weren't at the races today and the body language of Robin Van Persie makes one wonder where he'll be playing his football next season. 

Tactically, Brendan Rodgers called it absolutely spot on. Glen Johnson was restored to right back and Jon Flanagan moved over to the left. Henderson partnered Allen in the central roles with Raheem Sterling playing just being the front two. The movement between the front players and the industry of the two central midfielders won this game for Liverpool. It's equally fair to say that United were poor but credit must go to Brendan Rodgers men for the grit, akin to some excellent pressing and passing to boot. Liverpool have retained second place and are perfectly placed for a determined assault on the title. 

I think most people would have noticed there was a banner being held up from the travelling support, it read: "David Moyes is a tactical genius". Albeit that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit they say, sometimes, it's worth the descent.  

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Manchester United v Liverpool - Match Preview

In around 24 hours from now, Liverpool FC arrive at Old Trafford with the intention of tightening their grip on fourth place and at the same time, inflicting more misery on David Moyes Manchester United side in a season that has seen the balance of power between the two clubs swing firmly toward the Reds of Merseyside. Brendan Rodgers' men will have to be at their very best in a game that ranks 

Lucas Leiva: Key man for LFC

alongside Barcelona - Real Madrid; Borussia Dortmund - Bayern Munich, and AC and Inter Milan teams in being some of the most hotly contested rivalries in world football. 

Liverpool have good news going into the match with Lucas Leiva and Mamadou Sakho returning from injury and available for selection, leaving Jose Enrique as the only player retaining the proverbial Sicknote. The choice of midfielders at Rodgers' disposal; Leiva, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and Joe Allen translates to a fully fit first choice midfield plus Victor Moses and Luis Alberto. In terms of formation, I'd like to see both Gerrard and Lucas playing in front of the back four - which should perhaps include Sakho in place of Daniel Agger - with Henderson or Allen in front of them and behind an attacking trio of Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling. The benefit of Lucas' return is that it will give Gerrard some more freedom to advance in midfield and put through balls in to the runs of breaking attackers. In any case the choice of personnel  leaves the Gaffer with the nightmare many of his peers could only dream of having!

United will no doubt have Marouane Fellaini continue in midfield following his performances in the last two games for them. The absence of his physical presence, eye for a pass and undoubted skill has left the Red Devils wanting in the middle of the park for much of the season. Other than Fellaini, Michael Carrick, Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and of course Robin Van Persie, don't give United have enough for Liverpool to fear. Having said that, this is still for the most part, the team that won the league last season. As such, Liverpool have a very tough afternoon's work ahead of them if they wish to come away from Old Trafford with anything, let alone three points. 

Tactically, I believe Liverpool will continue with their high pressing, counter-attacking approach and deny the home side any time on the ball. Interestingly, Liverpool have made the fewest crosses (410) in the Premiership of all the top ten teams with the exception of Everton (392). Manchester United on the other hand have made the most (692) and this is a very telling stat. It follows that David Moyes' tactics are perhaps outmoded given the season they've had. I for one, don't believe this is a coincidence. It's clear to me that playing a high pressure, counter-attacking game with through balls to fast attackers - allied to possession football, is an infinitely more effective approach than simply getting crosses in from the flanks. Liverpool have shown this to devastating effect against their neighbours Everton and Arsenal among others this season, so go figure. 

One cannot ignore the fact however, that this fixture is as good as a derby due to the relative close proximity of the sides and the unrivalled history between them. Arsenal - Tottenham Hotspurs; Newcastle United - Sunderland; Swansea and Cardiff Cities; Chelsea - Fulham. All great rivalries, great clubs in their own rights but no disrespect to them, meetings between these teams don't capture the imagination quite like Manchester United versus Liverpool. The two from North London perhaps, but there's still something missing. Some history, some achievement some thing that goes just a little further than bragging rights and this is what makes this match such a tough one to call. On paper and current form, you'd expect the Merseysiders to come out on top and quite rightly so but the games are always such tight, emotional affairs that anything can happen on the day. 

Liverpool haven't won at Old Trafford for about five years now. However like many a Liverpool fan, I have faith in Brendan Rodgers. He's the man to take the team forward and I've believed as much since he took over. I don't make predictions but I'm suggesting a win for Liverpool. The manager has taken the team to a new level. A higher, more modern and effective level. Above that being occupied by Moyes' men. It's my belief that Moyes needs to overhaul his thinking, his approach, his game plan if he wishes to follow in the massive footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson. For me, I can wait for that. Take your time David. No rush!

Follow me on Twitter: @Mrbengreen

Let the games begin!

Once it was "The Twist", now do "The Sturridge"!

After a gap of a couple of weeks focussing on the day job, I've made a welcome return to the keyboard this weekend. As well as casting a more than beady eye over Liverpool's performance yesterday it's worth having a look at the noteworthy from the first week of the 2013/14 Premiership season. To say a scoreline can be deceiving is a massive understatement if we look at some of yesterday's results. The two most contrasting being Liverpool's opening 1-0 win against Stoke and Manchester United's 1-4 "drubbing" of Stoke.

I watched the Liverpool match with a Manyoo supporter as it happens which, apart from sacrilege, was actually very good fun so thanks to him for that. You know who you are! I thought Liverpool were impressive and Jordan Henderson and Kole Toure hitting the post makes me begin to think that the woodwork at Anfield is due for a trimming seeing as it's been getting in the way so much this last couple of seasons. The United-ite was actually impressed by what he saw of Brendan Rodgers' men and I have to say so was I although not surprised. The understanding between Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho is as good as any I've seen since John Barnes and Peter Beardsley and that can't do the reds any harm. Add to that the inventive Iago Aspas and it seems that Rodgers may well have struck gold with these guys. On this showing, they can ban Luis Suarez for another ten games for me. I'm not entirely sure why he's still there but that's another discussion for another time.

The scoreline definitely didn't do Liverpool justice but I think it was a good result seeing as they haven't won an opening league game for the last five seasons. The passing was neat, the movement was inventive and the intensity was high. The only thing missing was clinical finishing and this is something the guys definitely need to work on in they want to improve on last season's finish. With the exception of Robert Huth hitting the crossbar early doors and Lucas Leiva clearing off the line shortly afterwards, the Liverpool goal wasn't really under threat for much of the 90 minutes. Simon Mignolet's late penalty save gave more food for thought that Rodgers is definitely building something worthwhile at Anfield. Despite that numpty Daniel Agger needlesly committing the hand ball to concede said penalty in the first place. Asmir Begovic picked up the Man of the Match award. Need I say more?

In total contrast to Liverpool's efforts, that from those at the other end of the East Lancs road can best be described as scant. Having turned up at the Liberty Stadium 35 minutes late, Robin van Persie spectacularly volleyed them into the lead. This was, it had to be said, against the run of play and curbed the clear annoyance of Manyoo fan who was glad to see something positive from his side at last. Most would agree David Moyes was a good choice to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson and it seems the style of football under Moyes hasn't really changed from what I saw. In view of what he's inherited though, I believe the phrase if it aint broke don't fix it is appropriate. Swansea were unlucky to go behind and but for a little more guile from Nathan - Soul singer look-alike - Dyer, Swansea could and should have snatched a lead early on. Save to say, if's but's and maybe's... It didn't happen and Manyoo went on to win at a canter as the Swans had clearly given up the ghost once Danny Welbeck's second put the game out of reach. They were probably thinking about next week's potential beating at Tottenham by the end.

Away from those matches, Arsenal were done 1-3 at home to Aston Villa to put more pressure on Arsene Wenger. He now needs to seriously contemplate opening that hefty wallet he's sitting on at the Emirates Stadium and bring some steel into the side. The Norwich Everton 2-2 was no real surprise and Roberto Martinez is evidently going to continue the Everton tradition of doing not very much. Cardiff went down 0-2 to West Ham which was harsh. Having to go to Upton Park for their first game in the Premiership is a baptism of fire putting it mildly, and hope goes against hope that Cardiff can resist more beatings this season. Sunderland, Fulham and West Brom, Southampton both 0-1 away wins respectively seemed pretty boring from what I saw so I won't bother with them. Like I said in the beginning noteworthy.

All in all a good start to the new campaign. Hopes are high for Liverpool who have made a good start. With the next match being at home to Manchester United, I think it was important for Liverpool to get some points on the board before what is definitely going to be a stern test.

Follow me on Twitter @Mrbengreen