Manchester United Shock Host Liverpool in Anfield with 1-2 Win

Liverpool aimed to cause an upset in playign against tough oponnent club Manchester United as they hosted at Anfield on Sunday amidst supporters giving tribute to victims of the Hillsborough disaster. Disappointment soon caught the home crowd as their side failed to convert their possession advantage, succumbing to United 1-2.

Towards the end of the first half, Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey’s serious foul on Jonathan Evans cost him a red card. With only 10 men left, the Reds surged on with Steven Gerrard scoring through an early second-half volley.

Rafael da Silva equalized for United despite their struggles for possession. Antonio Valencia’s takedown from Glen Johnson gave van Persie a penalty spot and successfully converted it to a winning goal.

With the dismaying result for Liverpool, manager Brendan Rodgers has yet to find his first win after five fruitless matches. The side sank once more in the relegation zone of the league table, reflecting lack of progress on their part.

While Liverpool had great command of possession, they were not able to use that advantage well. United took that opportunity to sink their hosts and earn their first Anfield victory since six matches.

The first half appeared to be for Liverpool’s taking, contrasting United’s lack of eloquent play. Gerrard gave a close opportunity for the side, but went wide out of the target. Shelvey’s send-off disturbed the hosts’ momentum.

Rodgers, appearing confident of his side’s prospects, entered Suso in place of Fabio Borini. Gerrard went on to open the scoring in the second half. United’s Shinji Kagawa demonstrated his fine passing form to da Silva, who proceeded to score an equalizer.

United keeper Anders Lindegaard dealt with hectic scoring attempts from Liverpool. The Dane rescued his side from a Luis Suarez attempt and fended off Suso’s high-flier. The Reds faced more of their losing woes when Daniel Agger’s collision with Johnson and a racing Valencia had him ending up on a stretcher.

Van Persie, taking the 81st-minute penalty, flew the ball on the top right beyond Pepe Reina’s reach. Liverpool’s force further declined towards the end of the game after Martin Kelly went out injured.

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Photo credits:

Manchester United Score against Liverpool [Photograph]. (2012). Retrieved 24 September 2012, from <http://www.newswhip.com/MoreInfo/Liverpool-12-Man-United-RVP-makes-Reds-p/7834710>