Match Report: Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United
Liverpool inflicted Manchester United's first league defeat of the season to make it two losses on the bounce for Sir Alex's men who were far from their best.
United started brightly and were already denied a clear penalty for handball before Carlos Tevez put them ahead after just 3 minutes (from a Berbatov assist after a magnificent Anderson flick). But Wes Brown's own goal on 27 minutes and Liverpool substitute Ryan Babel's mis-hit shot on 77 secured a first win for Liverpool in the league at Anfield against the Red Devils since 2001.
In truth, United looked toothless in search of an equaliser despite fielding a forward line of Tevez, Berbatov and Rooney. And the writing was on the wall when two incredible refereeing moments effectively ended any chance of a United comeback.
First, the final substitution for Liverpool was blocked by Rafa Benitez when he jumped on the pitch waving his arms to change his mind - bizarre behaviour that was allowed to occur, as Rafa was pointing to Mascherano, who had apparently pulled up with injury. However, Benitez did not bring Mascherano off, and when United played the ball into the box, the Argentinian dived to win a free kick.
It was simply despicable behaviour by manager and player that was allowed to perform this blatant act of time wasting, and changing a decision after he'd made it.
Referee Howard Webb then saw fit to seal United's fate by sending off Nemanja Vidic for what seemed to be an elbow offence - not by Vidic's action, rather, it was the only offence Webb could possibly have deemed suitable of a second yellow. What made it more incredulous was Jamie Carragher's identical challenge less than a minute later, which was deemed perfectly fair. Vidic will now miss the Chelsea game next week. A big decision all round from Howard Webb which could prove costly for the Champions.
All in all, Liverpool deserved the win - United were lacklustre and should have put the game to rest before Brown's own goal, their opposition were incredibly poor but seemed more up for it on the day.
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Source:(Yolkie)