Dimitar Berbatov's magnificent hat-trick ensured Manchester United would come away with all three points in an exciting match-up with Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Berbatov's hat-trick is the first such feat for a Man United player against Liverpool since 1946. iSporter Akshay Iyer reports.
Manchester United, who came in to the match following a disappointing draw in the Champions League against Rangers earlier in the week, were on the offensive right from the outset against Liverpool. Man United's Portugese winger Nani had the first chance of the match in the 16th minute, but his shot from inside the six yard box went wide off the mark.
United, in fact dominated most of the first half, and made the Liverpool defenders look like amateurs as their forwards made some penetrating runs in the opposition half, but were unable to take advantage of their possession. Nani especially made life difficult for Liverpool's left-back Paul Konchesky as the former England international failed to match the United winger's pace and trickery.
Man United's veteran players Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs also made telling contributions in the first half, while Wayne Rooney looked to have his game face on. And, just when it looked the first-half would end in stalemate, Berbatov headed home a Giggs corner in the 42nd minute to give United a much-deserved lead.
In fact such was Man United's dominance in the first half that the Red Devils' goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was hardly called upon to make any saves.
The start of the second-half mirrored the first half where United continued to impose themselves on a haggard-looking Liverpool side. Nani continued to make telling runs down the wing and his near-perfect cross found an unmarked Berbatov in the 59th minute, whose magnificent overhead kick doubled United's lead and the Red Devils appeared to be in full control of the match. Berbatov's second goal, in fact, will likely be one of the goals of the Premier League 2010-2011 season.
But, to give credit where it is due, Liverpool bounced back strongly with a brace from captain Steve Gerrard, who scored from the spot in the 64th minute and then converted a free kick from 20 yards in the 70th minute. Fernando Torres, who was hardly seen in the first half, had telling contributions in both of Liverpool's goals. Torres was brought down by Jonny Evans in the 63rd minute and a needless challenge by John O' Shea just outside the penalty area resulted in referee Howard Webb awarding the free kick to Liverpool.
At this stage it appeared that the ghosts of Manchester United's last two Premier League matches was back to haunt the Red Devils. Two weeks back, United let go of a 2-1 lead to draw 2-2 against Fulham and last week the Red Devils let Everton back in stoppage time to play out a 3-3 draw. And, it looked for a while that for the third consecutive week, United would be forced to share points after enjoying the advantage for most of the match.
O'Shea, however, redeemed himself by supplying a cross to Berbatov in the 84th minute, and the former Bulgarian captain's header beat Liverpool 'keeper Pepe Reina to give the lead back to Manchester United. The Red Devils managed to hold on to the lead and eke out a 3-2 win, and for the club's players, management and fans, it should be a sign of good things to come in the remainder of the season.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
