different,infact weekend's clash between the giants of English football was a very crucial one because the title race would still be on if Liverpool defeat ManU. The Reds travelled all the way to Old Trafford for the lunch time kick-off. The stadium was packed to its full capacity as always it has been. Liverpool were dressed in their grey away kits. Both the teams were successful during the mid-week, winning their respective Champions League game comfortably. ManU were particularly in top form,not losing or dropping points in the domestic league where as Liverpool ceded their No.1 spot to their bitter rivals after a series of games where they drew and thereby dropping valuable points.The first half began well, 'The Reds' making a last minute change to their squad. Arbeloa being taken off and Hyppia being brought in instead. ManU had the home advantage of winning the game and steering away from Liverpool with a clean 10 point lead. Both teams attacked the opponents territory but none of the attacks were good enough to find the back of the net until the 23rd minute. ManU drew first blood when Ji Sung Park tripped after colliding with Reina and the referee gave ManU a spot kick. Reina didn't pull Park but the momemtum took him all the way down to collide with Park which the referee mistook for puling down the ManU midfielder. Liverpools's hopes plunged after this first goal from The Red Devils but they didn't lose heart. A mistake by Vidic, who instead of heading the ball and clearing it away allowed it to bounce and roll over. Fernando Torred beat him for the ball with his pace and nicely slotting it past Van der Sar into the net, bringing Liverpool back into the game. Cristiano Ronaldo testted Reina with a couple of free kicks but the Liverpool goalie was determined not to allow any more goals. A few minutes before half time captain courageous came into the act, running for the ball passed to him from Torres before being fouled by Patrice Evra inside the box. This earned Liverpool a penalty kick and giving tem a chance to take the lead. Steve Gee made no mistake in converting the spot kick and taking Liverpool into the lead. Thus Liverpool created a psychic feeling into Manu before both teams went into the tunnel after the first half.
The seond half began with much more aggression from ManU,whose pride was at stake,losing to Liverpool in their home soil. They pressed harder for an equaliser but of no avail. Liverpool was still leading till 70 minutes were over when a major incident happened. Vidic pulled down Gerrard before the box,thereby getting himself sent off by the referee. This was a repeat performance of the first leg between the two teams, Vidic being sent off in that match too for a wild header tackle with Alonso. The free kick then awarded to Liverpool was brilliantly converted by Aurelio, leaving Van der Sar stunned as he saw the ball zoom past the goal line and into the net. Liverpool now were 3-1 up and in a very comfortable position. Sir Alex made all three substitutions at the same time,bringing on Scholes, Giggs and Berbatov. ManU tried harder with their experienced players to salvage something from the game but Liverpool's defence was rock solid,denying them any opportunity to score. The icing on the cake was when Dossena, who was much critised for his form slotted in a fouth goal to hurt ManU's feelings and sealed the game completely for the visitors. Liverpool now are just 4 points behind ManU, still alive in the race for the Domestic league trophy.
Go Liverpool!!!
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