United's defensive performance today demonstrated just how important Ferdinand and Vidic are for Fergie's team. United created enough chances to win the game (Berbatov's shot had Reina beat), had their two excellent starting center backs been there to keep a clean sheet. But without them they were always going to be in trouble.
A very strong performance from Liverpool, and three absolutely classic Dirk Kuyt goals - not so much technique as hard work and good positioning. Suarez was very impressive today. He's a different kind of player from Torres but he shows huge promise. I think Dalgish's task was very simple - apply pressure to United's scratch defense - and he did just that. A huge result for Liverpool in terms of boosting morale, and a huge result for Arsenal in the title race.
Both Carragher and Raphael could have been sent off, Dowd chose not to do so and the best you could say about those decisions was that he was consistent. But after watching them in slo-mo you wonder how they stayed on the pitch.
Wanted; one midfield. Job description; successful candidates are expected to protect the defence, supply the attackers, and may be required to chip in with the odd goal or two. If this is you, please contact Manchester United.
The defence has been covering the midfield and weren't too bad today, it's just the midfield is nonexistent - the decline has been going on for years. The world and his wife can see it. For some reason Ferguson won't deal with the obvious; much like Wenger and his dithering re a world class striker, commanding centre-back, and established top keeper - van Persie is in and out, and Vermaelen is out. The Manchester United midfield lacks drive and ball winners; his behaviour to one side, buying Joey Barton in January might have done the job re the league in the short term. Currently, Arsenal seem more capable than Manchester United with regard to the problems the teams face.
A great piece of play by Suarez - naughty hair pulling though, and good goal sniffing by Kuyt. It would have taken the dismissal of four Liverpool players to even the game. Rafael doesn't happen if Carragher goes, and nor does Rodriguez's unpunished stamp. Think I can make out Lord Blackadder's grin from here.
Referees, can't live with them, can't ... Richards' tackle, Tevez lashing out just before being substituted, Clattenburg, Arshavin and Arshavin ... Still, OllyW will be happy.
Then there is the disaster that is Fantasy Football.
Edit - took so long to post - Liverpool's defence; they seem more organised and are packing the box.
Manchester United miss Hargreaves more than they miss Ronaldo.
Cheers,
OW
Last edited:
