Mata should play more often
There is no way Juan Mata will not be named Man of the Match for this game. Apart from his well executed brace, the little Spaniard was every where, a lesson in composure, movement and fine passing. One wonders why Louis van Gaal left him out of his teams for so long. It is not rocket science that United have rediscovered their verve with him back in the middle.
Maybe Gerrard should have retired since
Last year, it was a crucial slip against Chelsea that quenched every hope of Liverpool winning the league title. This season, at the same ground, he only needed 45 seconds to provide another costly error. Gerrard was sent off for stamping on Ander Herrera, leaving his men with a mountain to climb. Fair play to Brendan Rodgers’ team, they carried on well. But you just have to wonder what would have been with 11 men.
Champions League places look taken
The three points United have picked up today, means they are five points clear of Liverpool in fourth place and one behind Arsenal in third place. The Red Devils are two points behind rivals Manchester City. With Liverpool going to Arsenal after the international break, you have to admit that their fight for the Champions League places is all but over.
Rooney’s Anfield curse continues
As soon as Daley Blind fell under Emre Can’s silly tackle and Martin Atkinson pointed to the spot, Wayne Rooney grabbed the ball. The England skipper has not scored in over 10 years on enemy’s soil and this was an opportunity to end the jinx. It wasn’t to be. Simon Mignolet dived to his right and palmed away Rooney’s effort. Next season then, Wayne.
Good refereeing
For once, we saw good refereeing in a Premier League game. During a weekend in which there was yet another case of mistaken identity and dodgy calls, Atkinson handled an intense match well. He rightly sent off Gerrard and ignored the Anfield crowd’s plea for a red card at every little foul. —–
‘Ifreke Inyang tweets via @Ifreke
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