Liverpool demolished Manchester United at Anfield in the early afternoon kick off.
Luis Suarez tore the Mancs apart although the game will be remembered for a Dirk Kuyt hat-trick – the first LFC hat-trick against United since Peter Beardsley’s triple in 1990.
The game however belonged to Suarez, a constant thorn in United’s side that they failed to plug.
After total domination for the first half hour, on the 34th minute Suarez sliced past three United defenders before Kuyt got the last touch in the net.
Liverpool were not done there – and just before half time Suarez’ cross was sent back in to the 6 yard box by Nani before Kuyt once again pounced – heading in from 5 yards out.
Just before the whistle Nani was tackled by Carragher, but he managed to jump to his feet – hobble 15 yards around the referee before falling at his feet. Carragher received a yellow. Nani was stretchered off.
Seconds later and Rafael handed a two-footed tackle to Lucas – reminiscent of Gerrard’s sending off earlier this season. But Rafael, as expected, was not forced to walk and instead handed a yellow card.
Liverpool sat back for the opening 15 minutes of the second half, but soon enough the reds realised that this United side was there for the taking.
A superb Suarez free kick on 65 minutes could only be parried by Van der Saar, and once again Kuyt was on-hand to complete his hat-trick.
In the latter stages the reds fans’ sang Happy Birthday to the recently turned 60 Kenny Dalglish, before Hernandez scraped a late headed goal for United.
But it was all too-little, too-late in a game Liverpool dominated.
From a “what goes around comes around” point-of-view, I couldn’t help but be pleased that Man U got their just rewards for being bullies in the media. It always feels good to beat them, but it especially feels good this time around because of how Fergie’s double-standards were exposed and lambasted around ALL circles, not just our “rose-tinted glasses.” Had Carra been rightfully sent off instead of still on the pitch (we can all admit that was a SHOCKING challenge!), United would have had more confidence to come back. Instead, Carra stayed on the pitch and we dominated them in every area of the pitch. About flippin’ time some decisions went against United… I have spent 13 years watching them get their way everytime they play!!!
From our point-of-view, our midfield completely shut down United in every possible way. Meireles was causing all sorts of confusion, Gerrard (injured, mind you) was dictating the tempo, and Lucas was doing his usual unselfish control of the opposition. Maxi even played a blinder for us, doing some unnoticed and fantastic defensive work. You could hardly even tell at times that Nani was in the match because of him. That’s why they switched him over to the other flank when Carra upended him! Quality stuff all around… and I haven’t even mentioned Kuyt and Suarez!!!
hehe nani crying
Awesome performance by the boys taking me back to when we played the game beautifully!. We made them chase shadows throughout the afternoon with Saurez being a constant thorn in their side. Can’t help feeling that he would have formed an amazing partnership with Torres but Carroll looked good too.
It was refreshing to see us play well with Gerrard having an off day, Kuyt should be played upfront more often and not as a winger as he struggles in that position so we need a proper one next season.
What pleased me most was the attacking style of play where the boys were allowed to express themselves without fear like in the days of Rafa and Roy.
Hi Nevfh, Kenny is making up for it !!! way to go
Silence is golden
name a player in the premier league who can turn on a sixpence beat 4 defenders and assist on a goal luis saurez what a awesome performance. and he hasnt reached his peak yet.kuyt seems to have incredible positioning sense always prowling near the goal line for garbage goals. but never getting offside
eh ??
Why can i see a man u soccer schools advert on this page? Is it a joke I just dont get??
where?
I am terribly gald for seeing the Liverpool like this,,then very very thank Suarez for doing good jobs…If the manager can keep this position, we would surely see the Liverpool in Champion League next year..in addition I always swear and send my love for the people those are fighting with honors for our beloved liverpool and I haven’t enough courage to see liverpool down..
Fantastic performance by the team, especially Suarez. He played like this almost every week at Ajax and so I knew he would be an asset to Liverpool. The downside of performances like today is that I can see him moving to Real or Barca in years to come – if so, hope he helps Liverpool win many trophies first and leaves for a huge sum of money in the process!
Saurez is incrediible best feet in football,why cant we play like this against the bottom clubs. notice man utd appeal for everything even say meiriles goal line clearance was a goal.saurez work rate was incredible give him 10 for todays performance.we got rid of torres, but got a better player in suarez excellent timing NESV
I was really gutted when Torres pulled his stunt,at 58 years of age I was embarrassed at the way I felt, after seeing Suarez today I feel like a 7 year old on christmas eve.
So was I, his pictures were all over our house!! the silver lining is that we have Suarez now, he will be a more complete & better player and on top we got Andy too!!!
I am sure your Xmas tree is truly lit up & standing as tall as mine, take care, we will be the best again
Great performance. Ferguson played the wrong tactics. Suarez is magic. Kuyt had a great game being in the right places. Lucas looked very good. Huge difference from West Ham. Can we maintain that intensity during the run-in?? Gerrard is still not firing on all cylinders.
Perfect birthday present for KK