Liverpool 1 – 1 Manchester United

The English Premier League resumed this weekend after the international break, with the much-awaited encounter between Liverpool and Manchester United. The red devils had lost on their three previous trips to Anfield Road, and judging from Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting lineup, the visitors looked resolute to not be defeated this time. Things didn’t quite go as planned though as Liverpool were the first to score through a Steven Gerrard free-kick but Javier Hernandez salvaged a draw for Man United with less than ten minutes left on the clock.

The red devils kicked off with a reshuffled starting XI with Rooney, Nani, Hernandez and Valencia all left on the bench, while Phil Jones played in midfield and Welbeck as lone-striker. Man United’s tactics was clearly to hold on to a goalless draw for as long as possible, before bringing on the cavalry. Liverpool had opted for a conservative 4-5-1 formation as well and this made up for a rather uneventful first half. Although Man United seemed to dominate in midfield, they were unable to create any clear chances, while Suarez was isolated up front for Liverpool. The best opportunity of the first half fell to the hosts after 35 minutes. Gerrard’s dangerous cross found Charlie Adam, whose shot fell into the path of Suarez. The Uruguayan managed to evade Jonny Evans and shot at goal but David de Gea produced a mangnificent save.

Manchester United started the second half more brilliantly, with Ashley Young attempting three shots in six minutes. Sir Alex Ferguson’s plan seemed to be working well and he was about to bring on Rooney and Nani when Charlie Adam tumbled to the ground after the slightest of contact from Rio Ferdinand. Gerrard, Downing and Adam all stepped up for the free-kick, but finally it was Liverpool’s skipper who went for goal. Ryan Giggs bizarrely split the wall and provided the gap Gerrard needed to score.

With Liverpool now leading, the visitors needed to rescue at least a point, instead of trying to win. Rooney and Nani came on as anticipated and with 14 minutes left, Hernandez was also brought on to provide support to Welbeck, with Rooney dropping back to midfield. Less than five minutes after coming on, Man United’s Mexican striker had already found the back of the net. The opportunistic player had managed to lose his marker and was free to score past Pepe Reina after Nani’s free-kick was headed into his way by Welbeck.

Both sides now chased for a winner but it was Liverpool who looked more likely to score again. De Gea produced a couple of fantastic saves in the final minutes to keep his side into the match. First, he denied Dirk Kuyt after Downing had superbly crossed the ball to the Dutchman. Next, he flew and tipped a volley from Henderson past his right post. However, even De Gea seemed to be beaten when Suarez rose and got ready to nod home from a Adam cross, but Wayne Rooney came out of nowhere and jumped even higher to clear the ball.

A draw seemed to be a fair result and Manchester United remain unbeaten in eight games, although they have now been overtaken by rivals Manchester City at the top of the table, ahead of the derby match between the two sides next weekend.