Sir Alex Ferguson could only watch on as Liverpool dismantled Manchester United.Gerrard scored twice and was superb in the back and as Liverpool bossed the game at Old Trafford.
Liverpool controlled the game from start to finish. They were already a goal up (from Gerrard) before United could even get a shot on target. Instead of going at Liverpool at the start of the second half, seconds in (the second half) they found Gerrard lining up to take his second penalty of the match, which he calmly converted. Again and again United searched for something to bring them back into the match, but Liverpool's defense did not let them in. And remember, Liverpool's defense this season has been quite shaky, so that is saying something both about Manchester United and Liverpool.
Gerrard was key to the Red's dominance of the game. He showed just why he is captain fantastic. His contribution for Liverpool's back line was vital; he blocked United's passes, made interceptions and ultimately made life difficult for United. The captain, not only contributed defensively, but as we all know, scored twice, withstanding the nerve of taking a penalty. He did so twice, and put Liverpool in cruise control from 2-0 up. Vidic's dismissal allowed Liverpool to dominate even further and it was only a matter of time that Liverpool, as they did to Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal, finished off United. And they did with a third goal from the unstoppable Luis Suarez.
As Liverpool's season reached a new height, United's plummeted to a new low. I mentioned in my previous post that Liverpool's dominance of top sides in the past was evidence that they could conjure a similar performance at Old Trafford. Liverpool not only won, a win would tell one story, but smashed United, which tells another: what Liverpool are capable of. It seems that the only way for United to qualify for next season's Champions League is for them to win it, an idea that is becoming increasingly far from realistic. There is that troubling thought in the back of my mind of Liverpool finishing in fourth, but United winning the Champions League and therefore taking the fourth placed team's spot. But given Liverpool's results and quality, I think it is reasonable to suggest that Liverpool should not be satisfied with just finishing in fourth anyway. At this point, it is clear that Liverpool are ready to challenge for the title, and are capable of winning it.
Liverpool have a good shot at three points when they visit Cardiff on Saturday. That same Saturday, Chelsea take on Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Lets hope for a draw between the two London sides. Should Liverpool beat Cardiff, and Arsenal and Chelsea draw, Liverpool will be two points ahead of Arsenal, and two points behind Chelsea with a game in hand on the blues. Should Liverpool win that game in hand (at home to Sunderland), that would put them a point ahead of Chelsea, with both Chelsea and City visiting Anfield. Things could get quite interesting.
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