Steven Gerrard after scoring his second penalty
Well what a performance that was! Last Sunday was a clear indication of the progression that the club has made on the field over the last twelve months. It also shows the rapid decline of Manchester United as a footballing force. For Liverpool, to go to your fiercest rivals and play them off the park for 90 minutes was something I did not envisage before the game.
From the first minute Liverpool’s pressing of the Manchester United’s midfield made it impossible for the likes of Mata, Rooney and Carrick to get and foot hold in the game. This was down to sheer perseverance and as Rodgers alluded to in his post match press conference as ‘a willingness to work’. This was evident in the first few minutes when Jon Flanagan disposed Juan Mata of the ball to create a chance for Daniel Sturridge. Liverpool exposed the frailties of Utd’s full backs, who had a torrid time in the subdued Old Trafford atmosphere.
Liverpool team celebrating their sides first goal
Steven Gerrard spoke after the game of how Rodgers is excellent at tweaking formations and tactics to suit specific games. This was in evidence again on Sunday. They played a diamond formation with Raheem Sterling just behind the two strikers. This added dynamism and fluidity to the midfield which confused the Utd back four. They decided to defend higher up the pitch which left gaping holes for the on fire duo of Sturridge and Suarez. This showed Rodgers awareness of where Utd’s weaknesses were and they were duly exploited.
Liverpool were awarded three penalties in the match and should have had two more. I said last week that Liverpool needed to use their pace if they were to win the game. They did exactly that causing ‘controlled mayhem’ all over the field. This was helped by the sublime passing of the likes of Henderson, Suarez and Gerrard. What about the great man himself Gerrard? The man of the match was outstanding throughout the game and orchestrated his team mates around the pitch. His spacial awareness and intelligence on the ball has been reiterated again in Gerrard’s second coming as football’s equivalent of the quarter back in American Football. He has been given a new lease of life in the twilight of his career.
After that stunning performance, attention turns to an away trip to Cardiff. They are languishing at the bottom of the table but their home form has been steady all year so Liverpool will proceed with caution. However I don’t see Cardiff derailing this rich vein of form I can only see the away side acquiring another three points.
What do people think of Liverpool’s performance against Man Utd? Here is a link below of that magnificent display the kopites will revel in for years to come.
Liverpool FC 2013/2014 