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| Captain Gerrard marked his first start in 8 months with a goal |
Manchester United scored a late equaliser to deny Liverpool victory in Saturday’s 1-1 lunchtime kick–off.
Steven Gerrard opened the scoring with a brilliant free kick in the 68th minute, the captain’s first start since March. However Javier Hernandez levelled 10 minutes later to deny Liverpool 3 points.
The team sheets brought about some surprises, captain Steven Gerrard found a place in the starting XI in place of number 9 Andy Carroll. But the biggest shock was from the Manchester dressing room; Rooney and Nani were named amongst the substitutes. Alex Ferguson had adopted a more defensive role; Phil Jones was playing just in front of the back 4, offering added protection.
Chairman Tom Werner accompanied NBA star LeBron James in the director’s box on the first anniversary of FSG’s takeover, while LeBron made just his first outing to Anfield since becoming a minority shareholder in the club.
The opening minutes saw a timid approach from both teams, with passes misplaced and over hit. But the first chance of the game fell to Phil Jones after Patrice Evra surged to the by-line and lofted a cross to the back post only for Jones to hit the side netting with his resulting header.
It was then Liverpool’s turn to threat an opener, a short corner from Charlie Adam found Steven Gerrard, the skipper guided a teasing ball across the face of the goal, unfortunately for the reds no one was in the right place to tap in from close distance.
Suarez then tried an audacious attempt from 40 yards, taking a shot in the hope of catching Spanish ‘keeper De Gea off his line, but it was to no avail as he was left untroubled.
Suarez was involved again; a burst from Charlie Adam into the opposition half followed a long-range drive deflected off Jonny Evans and fell kindly to the Uruguayan who easily brushed aside the defender but the shot was straight at De Gea, allowing him to save easily.
Liverpool had asserted their dominance on the game, but the threat of Manchester United was still evident. Ji Sung Park tackled Jose Enrique to steal the ball from the Spaniard but his attempt was well wide off the target.
The first half had been anything but a spectacle to watch, at times it was very sloppy and because of United’s defensive tactics it was hard for Liverpool to break down the resilient defence. Suarez was isolated upfront with minimal support, the counter attack from Liverpool was ineffective. The strike force lacked pace. It seemed as if the game was crying out for Bellamy. A fast-paced, wide man to compliment Downing on the opposite wing or to partner Suarez.
In contrast to the first half the second was very different, an injury to Phil Jones hampered his performance in the middle of the park, the game was a lot open allowing both teams to attack. Liverpool took full advantage of this, Dirk Kuyt’s effort appeared to have struck Jonny Evan’s arm but referee Andre Marriner waved on play and United broke instantly with Ashley Young’s shot just going wide across the face of goal.
Liverpool’s dominance finally paid off in the 68th minute when Charlie Adam’s weaving run was cut short by Rio Ferdinand’s foul on the Scotsman on the edge of the area. The United defender was lucky not to see a second yellow and sent off. Captain Gerrard stepped up to the ball, a familiar sight among Liverpool supporters. Gerrard’s strike squirmed its way through an exposed gap in the wall, sending The Kop into jubilation and leaving De Gea fixed to the spot as the ball nestled into the back of the net.
United responded with sending on Hernandez, Rooney and Nani coming on for Jones, Park and Young. Two of the substitutes then combined for the equaliser. Nani’s free kick was allowed to bounce in the area, leaving Hernandez with a simple header from 5 yards out, after his dazzling movement left Skrtel grounded.
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea had come under immense scrutiny in recent weeks but he was crucial for United to hang on to the 1-1 draw. Downing’s cross was met by Dirk Kuyt straight after United’s equaliser but the ‘keeper was equal to the shot. He then pulled off another stunning one handed stop from Liverpool substitute Jordan Henderson’s looping shot, which appeared to be finding its way into the top corner.
The youngster had another chance in the 92nd minute but his free header was guided over the target
The disappointment with the draw from Liverpool fans proved how far the club has come within the year FSG has took over the club.
Next up for the Reds is Norwich at Anfield next week.
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