Our usual readers will be accustomed to an in depth match report that address key action points from start to finish – however we going to try a slightly different route and look at some talking points of the game, with a brief conclusion at the end of the post. We hope that some of our talking points will have you debating openly about key incidents and what your opinion is. We welcome an open debate but will not tolerate insults that aren’t relevant to the topic in question. If you disagree with anything that is written here, we would love to hear about it in the comments box below.
So to the match, Kenny Dalglish returned to the Liverpool hotseat for the first time in twenty years but things couldn’t have got off to a worst start with Ryan Giggs converting a second minute penalty – which proved to be the only goal of the game. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was sent off half way through the first half for a two footed lunge on Michael Carrick, however United failed to convert any more chances and make their numerical advantage pay off. United have been drawn away against Southampton in the 4th round.
Talking Points
Dimitar Berbatov foul for penalty
So was it or wasn’t it a penalty? When I first saw the incident I of course felt it was a penalty. Looking at television replays later on it was clear that there was minimal contact on the Bulgarian, however Agger did attempt to tackle him, didn’t win the ball and Berbatov took a tumble following the challenge. It was a weak penalty to concede, however I can see why Howard Webb gave the decision based upon the challenge from the Dane.
It reminded me of the penalty that Michael Owen won when England took on Argentina in the 2002 World Cup finals. Owen ‘invited’ the challenge and when contact was made he took a tumble and won the penalty. If you’re a fan of the team awarded the penalty then you put it down to experience, but if you’re on the receiving end you call if diving. I’ve always had this debate about diving vs. using experience and in some case there is a fine line. I do not condone blatant diving and believe that simulation should be banished from the game altogether, but I feel that ‘inviting a foul’ is something different – which is what Dimitar Berbatov did today. I do see why Liverpool fans believed it shouldn’t have been given because it was a ‘soft’ penalty – but Agger has made the challenged, touched Berbatov and the inevitable was given.
Berbatov was quoted as saying:
“Of course it was a penalty. There was contact, enough to make me lose my balance and fall on the ground. People who know me know I don’t go down that easily so I think it was a fair decision.”
Liverpool manager Dalglish felt the penalty was a ‘joke’:
“The penalty is a joke. I’ve seen the replay and unless the rules have changed it is no penalty.”
Steven Gerrard Sending off
The Liverpool captain can have no argument about getting sent off at Old Trafford. He lunged in on Michael Carrick following a loose ball from Rafael. Two feet, off the ground – the Liverpool skipper could have done some damage on Carrick. Kenny Dalglish’s reaction after viewing the video replay said it all, as he quietly returned to the dugout without a hint of a protest. However, after the match the Liverpool boss didn’t believe it was a sending off:
“The other one, I cannot see that as a red card either.”
The picture above shows Gerrard off the ground with both feet, with Michael Carrick sliding in and winning the ball. There is no doubt in my mind Howard Webb made the right call on this one.
Jonny Evans Performance
Jonny Evans has come into some harsh criticism over the past ten months, especially considering the youngster is still learning his trade. A regular feature at the start of the season, Evans hasn’t featured for the first xi since the 4-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham United – where United were defensively all over the place. His last start in the league came in the 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers where Evans was targeted as United’s weak link.
However, today’s performance should fill the youngster with much confidence as he marshaled Fernando Torres magnificently (even prior to the sending off) and nearly found himself on the scoresheet at the end of the first half. His reading of the game, interceptions and ability to step into midfield demonstrated the quality he has and how he can step up to the plate in the absence of Vidic or Ferdinand. A very solid and impressive performance from Evans.
Michael Carrick’s passing
If it was down to me, I would have given Carrick MOTM today, I thought he was exceptional. Operating deeper than Fletcher and Anderson (when the Brazilian came on), Carrick’s distribution was excellent all afternoon. Short passes and ball retention were not a problem, whilst switching play from right to left was a regular occurrence – even long range passing to find Giggs or Nani, Carrick was superb all afternoon. Doron had blogged at the start of the month on Carrick’s performance from a slightly deeper role and the impact he has on the side with his distribution.
Carrick has a single assist to his name and is yet to find the back of the net this season, however his contribution to the team overall was pivotal to the success of United over Liverpool today.
Match Conclusion
United deserved the victory without even breaking a sweat – something that could have backfired if Liverpool had of been a little more clinical in front of goal. Liverpool came to Old Trafford playing a 4-1-4-1 formation and confined the space in between the defense and midfield, where Lucas was mainly operating. It was a compact style of play that restricted the hosts in the first half – even after the dismissal of Steven Gerrard. The second half saw a flurry of United attacks, which called upon Pepe Reina to make a number of saves from Rafael, Evra and Berbatov. The winning goal was debatable and if it were the other way around I would feel that it was a ‘soft’ penalty to concede, however I do understand why Howard Webb gave it and disagree immensely with Ryan Babel’s comments and accusation that he is somewhat biased towards United.
Southampton are up next for United in the 4th round of the FA Cup. United have traveled twice in the past six seasons to St Mary’s, winning 4-0 in 2005 and 3-0 in 2009.